Vainglory

My greatest challenge now and then seems to be keeping true to Philippians 2:3.

For the most part, I think I can handle other people being more accomplished than I. I even really, really like some people whose good deeds laced with great humour have inspired me to be that much kinder and more vigilant in looking out for the needs of others.

But there is this really small group of people whose motives I hold suspect and everytime they get attention for doing good, this small, sour part of me wants to run out and kick a gerbil.

It's not for me to know if their motives for doing good are ultimately building blocks to sainthood or purely attention-seeking sophistry. I know the only person I can truly examine and judge is myself on this. In this verse alone, I strike out on 3 counts; I am selfish, I probably would like some attention myself, and I certainly have a great deal of trouble esteeming said group of people higher than myself.

I think I have major problems knowing how to celebrate the successes of some people. Even the successes of church workers with shiny teeth.