better than others

Agree with one another. Don’t be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Don’t think that you are better than others.
- Romans 12:16 (NIRV)

 

Once again, I appreciate that we have access to so many translations of the Bible. While not every translation is perfectly accurate, sometimes the wording of a particular version resonates with me and fits my mood for writing that day. Today’s verse in the NIV reads: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”

“Do not be conceited”—don’t think you’re better than others. That’s a powerful message, regardless of the translation you prefer. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who would admit to being conceited, but it’s something we all need to consider. Often, when we choose the people we want to associate with, we rarely seek out those who are overlooked or ignored by the crowd. Instead, we tend to gravitate toward those who are important, influential, or well-known—because we want to feel noticed and valued, too.

But you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat those who serve them. Whether someone is ringing up your groceries, delivering your meal, giving professional advice, running a large company, or even leading a country, we are all the same at our core. No one is beneath you simply because of their job, and you are not beneath anyone because of your position. Titles and roles aside, we are all ordinary people—equal in dignity and worth.

I truly believe everyone should spend at least one day in a “low position.” It offers a new perspective. So, the next time you get frustrated with a server for a mistake, pause to consider the mistakes you’ve made, too. No matter what role someone holds, every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

 

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Daily Inspiration from the Bible