Philippians 2:3-4 Humbleness

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

Philippians 2:3-4

Success can come at the price of arrogance. With the power we yield the view from the top is tempting. But for how long can we maintain such a lofty position? With my prideful nature, I am the last to preach of being humble. Truth be told each day serves as a reminder of who is truly above all.

Before getting deeper into it, Let's look at one of my favourite humble role models - Saint Paul, the apostle. Once known as Saul, the persecutor of Christians, he later became one of Christ's followers soon after the truth was lit before him. Most of us, stubborn as we can be, have a hard time admitting our faults. Imagine being proven wrong about something you firmly stood by your entire life?

"For I am the least of the apostles, who I am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."

- I Corinthian 15:9

"To me, who I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ"

- Ephesians 3:8

How do we introduce ourselves? Do we start off boasting about our career achievements? My esteem title?

From someone with such greatness, Paul did not boast by introducing himself as "one of the greatest apostles" or one of the "chosen ones". Instead, he introduced himself as Paul, "the prisoner of Christ" (Eph 3:1), "The servant of the Gospel" (Eph 3:7), and "Former persecutor of the church.." (Galatians 1:13,14).

While pride dominates, we are placed on a high pedestal, isolating ourselves from everyone else. We tend to allow our status, titles, and achievements to speak loudly on our behalf. We forget that God's grace is the foundation of our success. We fail to thank our humble beginnings and forget that His love carried us through. But Paul never did.

So does it mean we should hide our achievements and talents? No. Share your talents and achievements, as long as the reason behind doing so is pure and selfless. Mother Teresa once said, "Humility is not hiding talents; the only thing Our Lord asked us to learn was to be meek and humble of heart."

Paul's imprisonment exposed his immense love for Christ and the people he preached. I believe that moment highlighted his Humbling characteristic. Regardless of being chained up in a damp prison cell, he remained joyous, if not more than ever, because preaching the Gospel continued. Rather than envying others for preaching the Gospel on his behalf, with no praise or credit, he was instead joyous and thankful that His mission continued through others. Paul had a purpose and goal, and he never let pride get in. Your end goal is what counts!

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

-Philippians 2:3-4

So what does it mean to be Humble?

Lowliness. When living in vanity, we are imprisoned to pride. Being "in lowliness of mind", We gain freedom from pride. Our eyes are open to our own faults, charitable in our judgments of others and gain clarity, able to observe our own defects and better ourselves, while ready to overlook and forgive others for their weaknesses and flaws. Many have misunderstood this scripture by neglecting their own welfare. The scripture does not ask us to neglect our own welfare for the welfare of others but instead follows up with "Not only for his own interest but for the interest of others."

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition". What is my heart's intention? I ask myself what the reason is behind my deed. Is it entirely for others? or to benefit me solely? Is it a selfless act? Or am I expecting something in return?

Being praised is a great feeling, but it is one of life's tests many of us fail to pass. Pride feeds on praises for any achievement, such as acts of service or good deeds. A human weakness that's unavoidable. However, like Paul, we remind ourselves that these acts are indeed the works of God through us. These words are His words. We remind ourselves of the spirit behind our mission and the end goal. Who are we? Preachers? Apostles? or are we servants? Followers?

Being humble requires strength and self-control.

Some may perceive humbleness as being "submissive", "no spine", or a "weak" personality. Truthfully, humility isn't any; it is one of the most vital and substantial characteristics for success. Many successful people such as Mark Zuckerberg and the late Steve Jobs proudly wear it. With humility, you can become a great leader where others will look up to you with respect.

We may be far from being humble, or we may not be at all. The good news is that it is not impossible to pursue.

"Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honour and life"

- Proverbs 22:4

This verse perfectly defines humility. A great way to encourage one to pursue it. We live in a world where we are encouraged to look out for ourselves and enjoy the "pleasures" of vanity, while the bible, sheds light on the blessings of humility and its benefits. With humility, we recognize how much we need God's help in our lives. With humility, we find comfort in who we are in Christ and seek to build others up other than ourselves. With humility, we cast out all bitterness, rage and anger along with every form of malice and gain kind and compassion for one another - as mentioned in Ephesians 4:31-32. The benefits are endless.

At some point in our lives, we've all achieved at least one act of humility, whether or not we were aware of it.

Delicious Healthy Vegan Carrot Cake

I must say I'm pretty sceptical when it comes to vegan desserts. However, this recipe indeed was a success! Not only is it Vegan but guilt-free! The aromas wafting in the air tease your taste buds right before taking the first bite.

INGREDIENTS

Carrot Cake

Wet Ingredients

• 180ml / 3/4 cup maple syrup

• 80ml / 1/3 cup smooth almond butter

• 105ml / 1/4 cup+3tbsp apple sauce

• 240g / 1/2lb carrots, coarsely grated

Dry Ingredients

• 210g / 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour

• 3/4 tsp baking soda

• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder

• 2 tsp cinnamon + 1/2 tsp cardamon

• pinch of salt

Pistachio - rose - Frosting

• 30-45 ml / 2-3 tbsp coconut milk

• 4 tbsp maple syrup

• 3 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp of rose-water

• 195 g / 1 1/2 cups pistachio, soaked in boiling water for 20 minutes

• chopped nuts for decoration

INSTRUCTIONS

Cake

1. Set oven to 180 degrees C / 355 degrees F

2. Grease and lightly flour cake tin

3. In a large bowl, mix together maple syrup and almond butter until smooth

4. Mix in apple sauce

5. Next, mix in grated carrots

6. Place a sieve over the bowl with wet ingredients and sift all dry ingredients through it

7. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones using a spatula and a gentle clockwise folding motion until no flour pockets remain

8. Transfer the batter into baking tin

9. BAKE FOR 45 MINUTES (Depending on your oven) - It's done when a toothpick comes out clean.

10. Let it cool down before removing from the tin

11. Once completely cool remove the tin and decorate !

Pistachio Frosting (recommended to be made the day ahead)

1. Place all the liquids in a blender. Start off with 2 tbsp of coconut milk and the 3rd one later (if needed)

2. Add about half of the drained and rinsed pistachio. Blend until smooth, adding more as the mixture gets thicker and thicker .

3. place in fridge over night (preferably)or a few hours (if in a rush freezer for 30 minutes).

Romans 10:17 - Listen

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Listening, one of the easiest things we do, yet it is one of the hardest. There is a significant difference between simply hearing and listening; hearing, in biological terms - is a process using ears to detect and perceive sounds - sound waves that transmit in a wide range of frequencies. While listening, our mind processes the sound into information that is taken into heart.

A skill that requires time, thought and practice to achieve masterfully—a requirement to obtain a caring relationship with our family, friends, and especially in missionary service.

Why is it so difficult to listen?

We now live in a high-tech world, where our minds and thoughts are preoccupied with multi-tasking and distractions that surrounds us. Unconsciously we do that, while sitting with a friend for a chat while at the same time, texting on our phone simultaneously - This prevents us from having a deep intimate connection with each other. We have become Isolated by the mind of technology – A poor substitute for human connection. With that, it breaks the channel God needs to connect with us.

"know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." – James 1:19

Quick to hear and slow to speak. That's a good way to start. It is in our human nature to need to be heard, eager to speak our minds, our thoughts and what is in our hearts. With patience, our turn to speak will come eventually.

Becoming a good listener

Patience

"Unfortunately, many of us are too preoccupied with ourselves when we listen. Instead of concentrating on what is being said, we are busy deciding what to say in response or mentally rejecting the other person's point of view." – Dunn Lament.

Good listening requires concentration and patience - Which means we hear the other person out until they're done speaking. The speaker would rarely begin the conversation with what is most important; instead, they would build their way up to it.

One of my many bad habits is interrupting and impatience. I'd already know what my sister wants to say, so I'd interrupt her and give her my thoughts and advice. I later realized that sometimes, she doesn't want to hear my advice or opinions; instead, she needed someone to help discover her inner feelings and express what she needs to say. Still, I do at times get impatient, but becoming a "patient listener" requires time and practice.

Good listening is an act of love.

"Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them" - Bonhoeffer.

Bonhoeffer mentioned, "love to God begins with listening to His Word," God asked us to Love one another as He loves us, a commandment emphasized throughout the Bible.

Listening, patiently with undivided attention is an act of love.

Just as Paul the apostle mentioned in the book of Philippians, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition.." and "Let each of you look out not only for his own interest but also for the interest of others.." (Philippians 2:3&4) When we humble ourselves and conversate with one another selflessly, this is an act of love that shows compassion and kindness, as reflected in Corinthians 13:4 "Love is patient, love is kind.."

Just as my friend would patiently listen an hour to every word of venting from me, it reflects her love and cares towards me, rather than someone who would interrupt and walk out. "Poor listening diminishes the other person while good listening invites them to exist and to matter."

Good listening gains wisdom and understanding.

"Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out." - Proverbs 20:5

How else can we draw out the deepest water when we are not given full access in one's heart?

One best way is to listen to their inner thoughts and deepest feeling, is to fully understand and comprehend their needs and desires. We ask and dig deeper beneath the surface with an open mind until we find our answers, while carefully without interrogating the speaker if the speaker doesn't want to share the details. Instead, if the speaker cannot open up, we help them by giving them a fresh perspective of things that may lead to a solution. This requires wisdom and again, patience.

Good listening is an act of service.

"Listening can be a greater service than speaking." - Bonhoeffer.

During one of the medical trips, I sat among the doctors, watching them diagnose their patience. They sat there, patiently listening to all their patients' concerns about their pain and health. By gathering that information, the doctors were able to provide the needed cure. I've come to learn the important of listening. Listening, in silence can have a bigger impact than speaking in words of preaching.

Sometimes, one just needs a shoulder to lean on and share their emotions, and as they would walk in with a heavy burden on their shoulders, they would walk out lifted and feeling lighter. We ask others to pray for us, pray for our loved ones or for a particular occasion, God uses us as a channel to Him.

"God simply wants to use me as a channel of His affirming love as I listen with compassion and understanding.." - Bonhoeffer.

Good listening reflects our relationship with God

"He who can no longer listen to his brother will soon be no longer listening to God either.." - Bonhoeffer

God is the stranger that is knocking on your door. He is the sick waiting for your visit, the hungry poor that is need of clothing and the lonely prisoner that needs company and compassion. (Matthew 25:35-40).

Those who think that his time is too valuable to spend listening quietly will eventually have no time for God instead of for himself only.

God poured His grace into our lives, becoming His means of grace in the lives of others. Becoming His channel towards others as our acts reflect Him to the world. "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14).