JUNE 25, 2013
Country
Doctor
Read: Philippians
2:1-11
Let nothing be done through
selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem
others
better than himself. —Philippians 2:3
Sinclair
Lewis’ novel Main Street tells the story of Carol, a sophisticated city woman
who marries
a country doctor. She feels superior to others in her new small-town
environment. But her husband’s response to a medical crisis challenges her
snobbery.
An immigrant farmer terribly injures his arm, which needs to be
amputated. Carol
watches with admiration as her husband speaks comforting words
to the injured man
and his distraught wife. The physician’s warmth and servant
attitude challenges Carol’s
prideful mindset.
In
all of our relationships as Jesus’ followers, we can choose to think we’re
superior or
we can humbly serve the interests of others. Paul, the apostle,
tells us, “Let nothing be
done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in
lowliness of mind let each esteem others
better than himself. Let each of you
look out not only for his own interests, but also for
the interests of others”
(Phil. 2:3-4).
We
can learn to consider others’ needs more important than our own as we focus on
Jesus’ example. He took “the form of a bondservant,” and gave Himself up for us
(vv.5-8).
When we fail in valuing others, His sacrifice for us shows us the
humble, better way.
More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do. —Gabriel
Joy comes from putting another’s welfare ahead of your own.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
