9/21 Philippians 2:3

³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

This should be the attitude of every believer. The witness of the church would be so much more authentic if it was consistently lived out. Instead, we have churches competing with churches and believers putting down other believers. The flesh thrives on pride. The Spirit thrives in the humble.

A story is told of a country church that was dying for lack of attendance. The three priests that ran the church decided to ask the local rabbi for any suggestions he could offer. The rabbi paused for a moment and said, "Jesus is among you." He turned and walked away. The priests looked at each other wondering which one of them was Jesus visiting the others. They began to listen carefully to one another. They looked for opportunities to serve each other. They insisted that the other preach the homily. The church began to grow.

Eventually they realized that when they saw Jesus in one another, their attitude toward each other changed. Others could see humble service and were attracted. That is the way the church is meant to be. You are the temple of the living God (1 Corinthians 3:16), but so also is your brother or sister in Christ. Let us treat one another with that respect and love.

Consider: While every member of the body of Christ does not have the same function, each is necessary. Accept the contribution from each with gratitude.