In humility value others above yourselves, . . . looking . . . to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4
Today’s Scripture
Philippians 2:3-11
Listen to Today’s Devotion
Today’s Devotion
At a public seminar organized by the company I’d just joined, everyone was given a role, such as ushering and logistics. It was a big event and everyone was busy, so no one reacted when a participant spilled a drink. One of the bosses, however, instinctively dropped what he was doing, grabbed a mop, and helped to clean up the spill.
As the main organizer overseeing the event, this man had the authority to order someone else to do it. But he chose to do what some might have seen as a lowly job—and earned my utmost respect.
In Philippians 2:3-4, humility is described in simple and practical terms: “Do nothing out of . . . vain conceit,” “value others above yourselves,” and look “to the interests of the others.”
In responding to a need, my boss didn’t think about his rank. True humility is sometimes shown in words or actions that reflect a giving heart and a selfless attitude concerned about meeting others’ needs and not preserving image or status. It’s a heart that mirrors that of Jesus, who despite His divine status “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (v. 7). Let’s ask God to help us put others above ourselves so we can be more like Christ, our servant Lord.
Reflect & Pray
What concerns do you have about your image or status? How can you practice humility through your words and actions today?
Dear Jesus, please help me to be humble, putting aside my concerns about status and putting on the heart and attitude of a humble servant as You did.
Today’s Insights
This pivotal chapter opens with Paul’s call for a loving unity among God’s people (Philippians 2:1-2). Such a unity can come only from Christ. Unity, however, doesn’t necessarily mean unanimity (always having identical views, or groupthink). Rather, the apostle calls for us to have “the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (v. 2). He then ties it directly to our “relationships with one another” and calls for us to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (v. 5). Elsewhere the apostle deals with the differences we as diverse human beings will inevitably have with each other (see Romans 14:1-23). He saw such differences as no impediment to unity, however. When our focus is on Christ and His example of selfless humility, we’ll inevitably be drawn to emulate Him. Such humility compels us to seek not “[our] own interests but . . . the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:4).
For additional reflection, read: Humble Like God – Philippians 1:12–18.
Innovative News WEB site – https://newsfeathers.com/ – The news, with a little ruffle
