Rejoice:

Read:

“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

The verses before this told us to keep in step with  the Spirit, to follow the Spirit instead of the flesh, and now we are told to not be conceited. It all goes hand in hand: your flesh only cares about yourself but you should listen to someone else instead (The Spirit). Therefore, to go against what has been said would be to act conceited, lending to envy and anger. Essentially this is just Paul talking about what the ultimate manifestation of walking in the flesh is. If everyone is walking in the flesh we end up conceited, envious, and all at war with each other. That’s all today is: yet another way to drive home what we should not be doing.

Respond:

God help me to not provoke my brothers and sisters causing them to be envious or creating a divide among us. Instead I ask again for You to help me keep in step with the Spirit. I need to hear You speak and obey. To keep unity, fellowship, and growth happening inside and around me I must follow You! Help me. Amen,

Relate:

I have heard countless people selfishly (another word for conceited) respond to this “Covid Crisis.” For those super close to you and who you are open with, remind them of these truths. You will always learn and apply things better when you have taught them. It’s simple: If you are conceited (thinking of only yourself) you’re walking in the flesh.