
What IF our every thought and comment was to encourage and lift them up?
What IF we aimed to clothe them with the garment of praise (for His righteousness within them) and convict them of their righteousness?
What IF we spoke much less about us and listened and responded to them?
What IF there was no room or need for idle chatter or self-promotion.
What IF we walked according to Philippians 2:3 "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition of conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."
OR as the Amplified reads beautifully Phil 2:1-4
If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you 'care'-then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Yes, it costs - self, I, flesh, better than, etc. Remind yourself when self-promotion is coming from you that it is likely a mask covering a lie you are believing-that you are in some way 'less than'.
May Father expose these lies, this need for self-aggrandizement and speak words of peace to our soul that we may serve and love others first, trusting Him with our every need and exposed wound. Yes to heal the wound must be uncovered - the mask must be removed - ONLY you can remove the mask - others can't rip it off and God will not take it, He will only RECEIVE it from you at your willingness then minister His balm upon you.