Philippians 2:3

Third, they should view other people as more important than themselves (cf. Philippians 1:17).

"This is the linchpin that guarantees the success of the Christian community." [Note: Hawthorne, p. 69.]

The popular idea that we should put ourselves first goes all the way back to the Fall. Unsaved people in Paul’s day did not view humility as a virtue any more than most people today do. [Note: Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, s.v. "tareinos [lowly]," et al., by Walter Grundmann, 8 (1972):11-12.] Paul was not advocating an unrealistic view of life. He was not saying we should view everyone as better than ourselves in every way. His point was that we should view others as worthy of more consideration than we give ourselves (cf. Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 5:5-6).