Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4

Here is a great way to invest time during the COVID-19 pandemic: Let us “esteem others better than ourselves.” Here are some practical ways to do this:

Take care of your health so you don’t become infected, since those who are infected not only are less able to serve others, but they may well require others to serve them.

Reach out to others to see (1) how they are doing, (2) if they need anything, and (3) to encourage and pray for them.

Reach out especially to people in our church family who are ill or older. Reach out to neighbors, especially if they are ill or older—and especially if they do not know the Lord!
Most people don’t need help, but they might—so be prepared to do what you can. A good way to ask is to say, “Is there anything you might need help with—if I can, I’d like to.”
When you reach out, ask the Lord for a verse of scripture with which to give encouragement. And ask, “Can I pray for you before we hang up?” Then pray over the phone before hanging up.

(Ways to reach out include, phone calls, texts, emails—and what about video conferencing?)

Esteeming others better than ourselves is what Jesus did when He left the glories of Heaven to come to this sin-sick world to save sinners. The next verse in Philippians 2 (v.5) says, “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” In other words, let us humble ourselves as Jesus did, and serve others as Jesus served us.

That is a great way to invest our time during the COVID-19 pandemic!

Stay Well. Stay Connected. Stay Tuned. (Special worship webcast Thursday at 7:00 pm!)

Errol