Cultivating Unity // Humility
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Humility has the perspective to put others first. It has the assurance that serving others is far more valuable than worrying about one's own life. Philippians speaks so boldly to this that it should radically change your heart in the pursuit of humility.
It’s in humility we consider others better than ourselves. That’s hard if we are honest. It’s human nature, in our condition of sin, to think about ourselves first. It’s why personal expenses are covered before an offering goes to missions. Or why some look for anything to get them out of a service project to help the homeless. Or why climbing the corporate ladder is usually a bit messy and hurtful.
Putting others before yourself is hard and requires sacrifice. It means stepping back and allowing others to take the credit. It manifests in celebrating the success of others when they are recognized. It shows up in church on Sunday when you commit to volunteer.
It’s this very practice that cultivates unity. When you begin to put others first and to serve the people around you, you are fostering an environment of connectivity. Furthermore, practicing it will go far in any of your relationships. Go the extra mile to serve your spouse, friend, or coworker and you’ll see unity ignited.
Humility is hard but start serving others and direct all your focus onto God, and you’ll see the “me” inside you begin to grow faint in the distance. In addition, you’ll see unity begin to take shape.