“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”
– Philippians 2:3
Daily Meditation: Philippians 2:1-18, Mark 9:30-37
Have you ever felt like someone is looking right through you? Maybe you’re having a conversation with someone, and you just sense that the person isn’t really hearing you or connecting with you in that moment. I’ve experienced that. It makes me feel invisible, almost like I don’t exist.
Doesn’t it hurt to feel that way? In those types of situations—and they definitely take place in many different ways—I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing I can do about the other person or how they’re engaging—or not engaging—with me. But I can do something about me.
In Philippians 2, we are encouraged to value others more than we value ourselves. That can be really hard to do, especially when we feel slighted or devalued by someone else. But even then, God’s word encourages us to not think about ourselves and our own interests all the time; instead, we should care more about others. You never know what might be going on in their lives that’s causing them fear or worry, making them seem distracted and disinterested.
Next time I’m talking with someone and I get the sense that they’re just not there with me, I’m going to remember what God tells me to do. I’m going to take a moment to ask them how they are doing and really listen, making sure that in that moment they know that I value them more than myself.
“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree
to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.
You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve.
You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Be fearless: We are more loved by God than we will ever understand. So is every other person you encounter. Challenge yourself to see them the way God sees them.
Let’s let 2019 be the year we grow closer to the Lord and become the fearless, strong, and faithful woman we are meant to be in Him! In Be Fearless, Julie Clinton provides a scripturally-sound guide for finding freedom, purpose, joy… and fearlessness. Be Fearless is now available in our store! https://www.aacc.net/product/be-fearless/ Consider working through Be Fearless with another extraordinary woman or group this year.
Julie Clinton, MAd, MBA, is president of Extraordinary Women and host of EWomen conferences all across America. She is the author of several books including A Woman’s Path to Emotional Freedom, 10 Things You Aren’t Telling Him, and Extraordinary Women. She is passionate about seeing women live out their dreams by finding their freedom in Christ. Julie and her husband, Tim, live in Virginia with their children, Megan and Zach.