The apostle Paul gives some very helpful instruction and insight on how Christians should get along with Christians in Philippians 2. It basically is a call for every child of God to be humble. Humility impacts our decisions and actions toward others. But, it should be true humility! Consider verses 3 and 4. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
The phrase, “let each esteem others better than himself” is an interesting one. First, the word esteem is used to indicate authority or control. One who is esteemed is a leader, one who is in control or important. In our context it is relative to how we view ourselves. We do not consider ourselves as important as our brother in Christ. He is more important than us. So, our motivation is not self, but what is best for our brother. If all Christians acted in this way, most of the issues that cause division would not exist.
This is seen in the phrase “better than self”, indicating that in our eyes, our brother is more important or superior. And, in the verse to follow, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (2:4).
