Sinclair Lewis’ novel Main Street tells the story of
Carol, a sophisticated city woman who marries a country doctor. She feels
superior to others in her new small-town environment. But her husband’s
response to a medical crisis challenges her snobbery. An immigrant farmer
terribly injures his arm, which needs to be amputated. Carol watches with
admiration as her husband speaks comforting words to the injured man and his
distraught wife. The physician’s warmth and servant attitude challenges Carol’s
prideful mindset.
In all of our relationships as Jesus’ followers, we can choose to think
we’re superior or we can humbly serve the interests of others. Paul, the
apostle, tells us, “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” (Phil. 2:3-4).
We can learn to consider others’ needs more important than our own as we
focus on Jesus’ example. He took “the form of a bondservant,” and gave Himself
up for us (vv.5-8). When we fail in valuing others, His sacrifice for us shows
us the humble, better way.
Joy comes from putting another’s welfare ahead of your own. (RBC)
