“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NLT

 Better. Most of us desire to be better or do better, but sometimes we compare ourselves to others and, whether we admit it or not, we think we are better.

 The Dicionary.com definition of better is this:

1. of superior quality or excellence

2. morally superior; more virtuous

3. of superior suitability, advisability, desirability, acceptableness, etc.; preferable:

 Am I really better than someone else? Am I of superior quality or morally superior? Am I preferable? Let me put it this way: Does God prefer me over someone else? You and I are well aware that the true answer is no, but there are times when we may painfully feel like God prefers someone else or pridefully feel He prefers us. Ouch either way!

When I think of myself or my ideas or my convictions as better than someone else, I am not thinking like Jesus. Jesus showed us the way of love, a better way (1 Corinthians 12:31 CEB)

The better way is the way of humility, kindness, gentleness and patience (Col 3:12-14). The better way is love which elevates the needs of others above my own. Better is serving. In a cultural climate of division, we can do better. We can be better. Division comes from thinking that my way is better and because my way is better, I am better.

Jesus’ way is better. That is without question. But my commitment to live Jesus' way does not make my way better. My ideas may be better because I am allowing His Spirit to guide me, but that does not make me better. My convictions may be better because I have committed to His standards, but that does not make me better. Choosing the better way cancels pride because it is not about my choice. It’s about the One I choose. When I choose Jesus’s way, I choose the needs of others above my own. That’s what He did. His way is better.

Following Jesus’ way does not make me better. The phrase “We are all equal at the foot of the cross” applies here. Believers and unbelievers are equal at the foot of the cross. We have equal need of a savior. When I accept the better way of Jesus that truth remains. I am just as needy. As my thinking changes to adapt to the Jesus way, my neediness at the foot of the cross does not change. As my behavior changes to follow Jesus, my condition at the foot of the cross does not change. Remembering my continual need of a savior reminds me that I am not better than my neighbor who shows no interest in Christ. We are equally lost without Him.

I am still a sinner even though I follow Jesus.  Every sinful action originates from the same disease of sin. Although some sins are more egregious than others and have more devastating consequences, the disease is the same. A single cancer cell is still cancer. It can grow. A small sin is still sin. It can grow. In both cases, the results can be devastating.

Dear Friend, we all have the same disease, sin. That sin originates from the same source, pride. It was pride, the desire to be like God, that tempted our forefather and foremother. We are no different. We are equally susceptible.

Lord, help me to remember that sin makes me equal to all others even though I follow Your better way. You are better, not me. Your way is better, not mine. Help me to walk in the humility that enables me to love the way You love. That way is better. That is the best way of all. Amen.

 Key Question: What is the better way?

A Scripture to Consider: “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NLT

A YES Challenge: Consider your response when someone behaves contrary to Jesus’ way. Remind yourself of your sin disease. Consider a kind action to counteract the pride response. A simple prayer for the person is a good place to begin.

Prayer: Jesus your way is better because You are the best. Your love and sacrifice demonstrate a humility I struggle to emulate. I am not capable unless Your Spirit does the work in me. Help me love as You love. Help me as I fight against pride. Help me to choose the way of love, the better way, Your way. Amen.