You Before Me

Ever heard the old grammar rule from school about "I before E, except after C"? It turns out life has its own rules, especially when it comes to love and humility.

The Plague of Selfishness
William E. Gladstone said it well: "Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race." And if we look around, it's not hard to see how selfish ambitions can lead to disorder and chaos, as the Bible notes in James 3:16. But what's the antidote? Humility. This isn't just a nice trait to have; it's a necessity if we desire peace and genuine connection in our lives. Humility isn't about debasing oneself; it's about elevating others, recognizing that putting "you before me" leads to richer, fuller relationships.

Learning from the Ultimate Example
How exactly did Jesus embody this radical humility? Philippians 2:1-8 offers us a blueprint of His life that speaks volumes about how divine love operates. Jesus, despite His deity, chose not to cling to His privileges but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. This journey wasn’t about losing identity but about fulfilling His purpose—serving others unreservedly. He stepped into our shoes, shared our burdens, and ultimately, sacrificed His life on a cross. The message here is clear: real love, divine love, is about self-giving, not self-saving.

Humility in Daily Life
So, how do we walk this out in our daily interactions, particularly in our closest relationships? It starts with intentionality. Imagine prioritizing your spouse's needs as highly as your own, or better yet, putting their needs before yours. This isn't about ignoring your needs but about fostering a mutual respect and care that seeks the best for one another. It means listening more, serving more, and loving more deeply. It's about making peace and unity your goal rather than winning arguments or securing personal comfort.

The Downward Mobility of Love
There’s something counterintuitive yet incredibly liberating about embracing a downward mobility in our status-conscious world. Jesus showed us that true greatness comes not from ascending the ladders of success but in descending to the roles of servant and supporter in the lives of those around us. This approach doesn't diminish us; it actually enriches us, bringing out the best in ourselves and others.

Challenges and Rewards
The journey of humility is not without its challenges. It demands vulnerability and a willingness to occasionally take the back seat. But the rewards? They are profoundly significant. Peaceful and loving relationships, a genuine sense of community, and a life that mirrors the generous love of Christ. This isn't just about making our lives better—it's about making our relationships warmer, one humble act at a time.

A Call to Action
So here's a call to action for you, whether you're married, single, a friend, or a family member: start with humility. Choose to serve rather than be served. Engage with the world around you not as a master but as a fellow traveler, a helper, a friend. And watch how this simple yet powerful principle transforms your relationships and brings a little more heaven to our earth.

Remember: "You before me is a life of humility." Let’s strive to love like Jesus, not just in grand, heroic acts but in everyday moments of kindness and sacrifice. After all, that’s where true greatness lies.

- Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 5/5/24.