Emptying Out

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves
Philippians 2:3

If anything at all in faith runs contrary to the values of this world it is this: we are called to put the other--each and every 'other' in our lives--ahead of ourselves. Modern psychology screams out that this cannot be so; healthy ego demands attention to the self first. Faith argues that a truly health ego has no need of focus on self. Humility demands that we cease thinking about the self and simply live with what is.

Does this mean the person of faith should put up with abuse? Clearly not. To love the other is to prevent the other from being an abuser. To collaborate in the abuse by allowing your own victimization is not humility, it is self centered weakness.

Does this mean the person of faith is at the beck and call of every demand and whim of everyone he/she meets? Clearly not. To love the other is to keep your eyes on the true good, the long term well being of the the other and the bigger picture. It isn't about reaction, but about where you put your eyes.

If one of those given to you is irritable or angry the response is not "You're mean." or "I'm right you aren't." Nor is it "That's ok, treat me as you will." It is "What is behind this, and how can I help heal it with God's help?"

The emptying of self does not make one weak. On the contrary, it plants one on the firm foundation of God's power.