Himusi

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 10
 
Though the above word may appear to be Biblical in origin, it is neither Hebrew nor Greek. Rather, it is a word coined from three English pronouns—Him, us and I. The thought it expresses is taken from Philippians 2:33Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3): “Let nothing be done through strife [party spirit; faction] or vainglory.”
The Lord Jesus is the “Him” who must always have the first place. Next the “us”: Collective concerns and matters are to be considered. Then lastly comes the “I,” our own personal interests. A party spirit (as eritheia, the Greek word for strife, suggests) is the putting forward of “us” rather than Him. But vainglory is the putting forward of me—“I” taking the place that belongs alone to Him.
In Colossians 1:1818And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18) the Spirit of God shows that He is to have the first place in all things (JND). Sadly, Philippians 2:2121For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Philippians 2:21) shows how believers can get these priorities out of order. But if through grace and humility each gives Christ the place of preeminence, next esteems other better than himself, while putting individual interests last (Rom. 15:33For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. (Romans 15:3)), then we will manifest, in a measure, the character and the mind of the One described in Philippians 2:58. For us, may it never be USIHIM or IUSHIM or any other order than HIMUSI!
M. Payette (adapted)