... but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
Going to the beauty salon for a manicure, pedicure, or haircut can really wreak havoc on our spiritual lives. Not necessarily because we are caught up in physical beauty, but there are times when women, especially high school and college-aged women, take physical beauty to an extreme. It becomes an idol. However, I am not advocating that we all stop wearing make-up and doing our hair. This is a natural desire for many women. The problem with beauty salons is there is an opportunity for gossip. We can get caught up in innocent conversations about somebodys family or children, and the next thing we know, we are talking about somebody in an unedifying manner. Gossip is so deceptive and conniving that we slip right into without even knowing it. Before too long, we find ourselves feeling guilty and shameful for the way we are talking about other people. Allow me to challenge you today with being more aware of the conversations you are having with others. If you are talking about somebody, make sure it is edifying. Philippians 2:3b-4 takes the idea of gossip to a new level. ... but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Who are we trying to please when we talk about other people? What is going on within our hearts? Gossip and tearing others down behind their backs is a sin issue. It is prideful and arrogant. It says, I am better than her. Christ calls us to humble ourselves - this includes considering others better than yourself. When we fail to choose to humble ourselves, we open ourselves up for God to humiliate us. In Christ's love, Julie- Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:
- Monday: Philippians 2:2-4
- Tuesday: 2 Timothy 2:16
- Wednesday: Ephesians 4:29
- Thursday: Psalm 39:1
- Friday: Proverbs 10:18-20
- Saturday: Matthew 15:10
- Sunday: James 3:6
