In the way of the world, important people like to be recognised as important people. For whatever the reason: wealth, fame, popularity, leaders, movers and shakers; such important people like people to know they are important.  They tend to like being served by other people. That’s not true all the time of course, but look around and you will see the signs. Even when we look inside ourselves, at our achievements and abilities, we tend to appreciate recognition – to like the idea of being important.
And of course we are. Each one of us is important. But the Lord who regards each of us as special and unique asks of us is to be humble alongside our uniqueness, abilities, successes and achievements: to not boast on our own behalf.
But today I want us to focus on that other guidance from the Lord: ‘consider others more important than yourselves. Care about them as much as you care about yourselves.’
How do we do that? It’s in how we care for each other. It’s in the sacrifices we make for the sake of the other person. It’s not just how we treat each other, it’s in how we think about and speak about the other person.
Just as you and I are important to the Lord, other people are important to us. But why would the Lord treat you and me as important? I’m a sinner, you’re a sinner – it’s in our DNA. Why would he love you and me? He just does. He created us. He loves us. He wants us to live as His people. You and I are I important enough to the Lord for him to send his own son as the once for all sin offering that redeems us and sets us free for life in His kingdom.
And if he will treat us with such regard, then how can we not do the same for others?
Respect. Honour. Acknowledge. Defer. Speak highly. Serve. Bless. Care. Share.  Lift up. These are not the natural ways of the world. They are faith in action.  This is life in the kingdom of God.