Philippians 2:3 -- On Lowliness and Esteem

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Philippians 2:3


It is interesting to think about the idea of esteeming others as better than ourselves. We know that God doesn't want us to think about ourselves as better than others (Alma 5:54), but assuming that other people are better than we are almost seems like a form of self-hatred or low self-esteem, thinking that we can't possibly measure up. In comparison with God that might be appropriate, thinking about the whole "less than the dust of the earth" line (Helaman 12:7), and remembering the vast gulf between our abilities and God's abilities. We are definitely inferior, and need God's help desperately.

When comparing ourselves to other people though, that dust imagery probably isn't needed. Mutual respect is a good ideal, but we are pretty bad at that. When we compare we usually go dramatically too far, either thinking that we are vastly superior, or vastly inferior... and maybe that is the key here. With other people we should use moderation. We don't have to be doormats for others to walk upon, esteeming ourselves as slugs (as children of God we are of infinite worth), but we *should* realize that we are inferior to every other person in some way, even when we are superior in some other way. We have something to learn from other people, no matter who they are. Approaching others with that openness to learning from them--I think that is what this verse is getting at. With a humble mindset and a willingness to learn, we won't be bullying others or showing them how much MORE amazing we are, but instead will be learning more about them, and valuing their contributions, and discovering something good.

Today, let's recognize what other people have to offer. Let's value them and recognize that we have a lot to learn from others... and let's talk to God about learning to love people better and recognizing our own weaknesses in a way that doesn't make us lose hope, but gives us motivation to be better.