March 11, 2025
Hi Friends,
Let’s think about others this week. No, I’m not trying to encourage you to do something for another person (though that is always a good idea). I’m literally saying that we should think about the term “others.” So, let’s begin with a definition and then an observation. An “other” is “a person (or thing) distinct or different from one already mentioned or known about.”
Now, let me make an observation. We learn to recognize and value others. As a child, “others” were peripheral to us. They fed us, looked after us, entertained us, gave gifts to us, bothered us, existed for us. That’s the way it is, and likely should be — with children. But what about those who are supposedly mature?
It strikes me this week that one of the simplest tests we can apply to ourselves to determine how we are maturing as Christian persons is to rate the place of “others” in our lives.
How often do we put “others” before ourselves: when it suits us or is convenient for us; when we gain something by doing so; or consistently? Do we think automatically of “others” when faced with a conflict or do we put ourselves and our needs first? Do we think about treating “others” the way we would like to be treated or do we wait to see if “others” will treat us the way we feel we should be, or want to be, treated before deciding how to treat them?
The New Testament actually has quite a lot to say about “others” and how we should relate to them. The word appears 120 times in the NIV. We are not supposed to practice our righteous acts before “others” or to seek the honor of “others.” We are not to hang only with “others” who can reciprocate our kindness. Our failure to forgive “others” condemns us to not being forgiven by God. The way we judge “others” will be the way God judges us. We are to treat “others” the way in which we want to be treated. Our willingness to acknowledge Jesus before “others” has a direct impact on his willingness to acknowledge us before his Father. “Others” have done hard work to get us where we are and we simply reap the benefits of their labor. Each member of the body of Christ belongs to the “others.” Whoever loves “others” has fulfilled the law. We are not to seek our own good, but the good of “others.” Love does not dishonour “others.” We are to try to persuade “others” about the gospel. The sincerity of our love can be tested by comparing it to the earnestness of “others.” That which comes out of our mouths is to build up “others.” And then there are these words from Paul to the Philippian Christians: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus …”
It is very popular today to want “community” which is, by definition, a developed relationship with “others.” And yet, most people who want community start with themselves, not with “others.” What will this do for me? I’ll join them and participate if it doesn’t inconvenience me. This group is doing nothing for me.
So, I’ll leave you with a simple question for you to honestly consider: what place do “others” have in your life, and how consistently do you think of “others” before yourself?
Blessings!
Doug