On Sunday we worshipped in Isopo. The service was held on the Isopo school grounds under a canopy on the soccer field. The LaVega congregation organized the service, providing the folding chairs and the PA system. It could be considered by some to be a casual setting.
Phil Banta preached and for the occasion wore a tie. I don't remember ever seeing Phil in a tie but in Honduras preachers wear ties.
Your reaction may be; "So what? Wearing a tie isn't a big deal." Wearing a tie may seem to be a simple action but doing so in a culture that values it illustrates how we can honor others with norms that are different than ours. Phil submitted to the local custom to honor his brothers.
Do we follow this example? If a brother holds a belief different than ours, how do we react? Do we, in humility, treat him with respect or do we denigrate his belief (and, therefore, him) to our friends, family, etc? Do we dismiss it out of hand? Or do we consider his viewpoint in how we treat him?
The Bible tells us that the two most important things in life are our relationship with God and our relationships with each other. Let us not let our lack of humility ruin either of these relationships but, rather, put Paul's words to work in our lives: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself." (Phil2:3)
Jim B
