All of us have lost our joy because of people: what they are, what they say, and what they do. But we have to live and work with people; we cannot isolate ourselves and still live to glorify Christ. We are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. And we should not let the light grow dim and the salt become bitter because of other people.

A mother and her little son got on an elevator to go to the doctor’s office. At the second floor a group of people got on, among them a rather large woman. As the elevator sped upward, the quiet was broken by a scream from the lips of the plump passenger. She turned to the mother and said, “Your son just bit me!”

The mother was horrified, but the little boy had an explanation: “She sitted in my face and I bited her!”

What took place on that elevator is taking place all over the world: people and nations bite each other because they get sat on or crowded.

But the Christian with the submissive mind does not expect others to serve him; he serves others. He considers the good of others to be more important than his own plans and desires.

Scripture to obey: “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11).

For further study: Read all of Philippians 2 and note the submissive mind in relation to Jesus, Paul, Timothy, and Ephaphroditus.

Action assignment: Ask God to enable you to have a truly submissive mind in your daily relationships.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in