Do not think of yourself
more highly than you ought.
—Romans 12:3
I’m writing this as political campaigns are at full bore (pun intended).
Getting to the top doesn’t live up to its promises: contentment, fulfillment, and satisfaction aren’t achieved by being the big cheese. Nevertheless, exaggerated need to seem important is often addictive and lethal. Let nothing stand in the way of your pursuit—not your family, your friends, your health, or your conscience. Be aggressive, rude and nasty if necessary.
Paul countered with an alternate approach: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Rom 12:3). “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Phil 2:3).
Those who follow Paul’s counsel instead of the political playbook are the ones we respect.
Paul’s long-ago counsel is appealing.
Present-day politics is appalling.