Let nothing be done through strife or conceit...

Philippians 2:3-4 "Let nothing be done through strife or conceit...but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others"

If you look up the word "nothing" in Webster's dictionary, it literally means...NOTHING! So, what this verse is literally saying is don't let anything in your life be done through strife..don't let anything in your life be done through conceit. Let each of us think about the needs of others in all that we do. Don't just look at your own life and what your needs are..but look at the cares and concerns that other people are facing, and let your heart be touched by the needs of others.

Conceit can literally ruin a church, but true humility can build it. Conceit or "vainglory" as the King James says, can ruin a friendship, but being "lowly of mind" can grow it. The Bible is not talking about putting ourselves down here. It is talking about having a true perspective on ourselves. Over and over in the scriptures, we are told not to judge others, and one verse explains why. When we judge other people, we are usually doing the same things that we are judging them for..maybe just in a different fashion.

Paul is encouraging us here to lay aside selfishness, and to treat others with respect and courtesy. Considering the interests and concerns of others as being more important than our own links us with Jesus, who was the true example of humility.

One of the ways that I like to live out this verse is by getting my mind off of myself and think about what someone around me might be needing at the time. I am asking all of you to join me in that today. Simply praying for someone else can usher in to your own life, such peace. Making a meal for someone might bring more joy than a trip to Disneyland. We are here to love each other, lift each other up, and encourage.

There is a need in my church that I would like to ask each of you to be in prayer for today. A young man is missing in our church. He is the son of our worship leader, and he has been missing since last Wednesday. I don't have a lot of details, but will share as I learn more. I am asking each of you today if you would pray for this family..and for this young man. His name is Joe, and he is 16. Would you forward this to one person today, and ask them to pray? I am reminded as I write this that the fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much. This is a precious and most beloved family. Each of us knows how we would feel if our child were missing..so today..may each of us in lowliness of mind, esteem others better than ourselves. May we look not on our own situations, but take some time to look also on the things and situations of others..and then..be a blessing.

Today, may you sense His presence in your life...and may you be blessed beyond measure!