Superiority Complex

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

Discriminate: To make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit (Merriam-Webster).

Discrimination is a global problem. It is a sin that we have all fallen victim to for different reasons. Pastor and Best-Selling Author, Rick Warren, says there are at least five areas where we are tempted to discriminate. First, we can discriminate on the basis of appearance (to judge people by their physical appearance). We favor people who are good looking or have straight teeth. Second, we discriminate on the basis of age. If we are older we look down at inexperienced younger people; and if we are younger we look down at “old-fashioned” people. Third, we discriminate on the basis of achievement. We tend to hold the CEO of a company in much higher esteem than we do the janitor or stockperson. Fourth, we discriminate on the basis of affluence. We tend to give wide-berth to people who are rich and famous, but ignore people who are not. Finally, we discriminate on the basis of ancestry. We look at people of one color one way, and people of another color another way. We can be sure of one thing: Discrimination, in all of its various forms, is wrong.

Why do we do this? Why do we discriminate against one another? The second president of the United States, John Adams, who was the first president who did not ever own slaves and was against slavery, said this: “I believe there is no one principle which predominates in human nature so much in every stage of life from the cradle to the grave, in males and females, old and young, black and white, rich and poor, high and low as the passion for superiority.” I think President Adams hit the nail on the head, don’t you?

The only way to combat discrimination, in all of its forms, is to humble ourselves and put others first. As Philippians 2:3 teaches, we must “count others” as more significant than we count ourselves. This goes against every natural fiber of our being. It requires, therefore, supernatural strength from the Holy Spirit. This does not mean that you are insignificant. Rather, it is choosing to think of how our actions and attitudes affect others at all times, in all things. It is putting the feelings of others ahead of our own. And this will mean choosing to acknowledge and empathize, even when we might not understand or agree.

Dear Lord, thank you for the humbling reminder in your Word to count others as more significant than I do myself. I pray that you would help me to consider how my actions and attitudes make others feel so that I can honor others above myself, since that's what you did when you came to earth. In Jesus' name, amen.