“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3
While studying Philippians, this verse truly pricked my heart. It challenged my previous misunderstanding of humility and selflessness.
I used to think serving others meant I would see immediate results—like someone turning from sin, reading their Bible, or coming to church because of my efforts. When that didn’t happen, I would feel like my time was wasted and lose motivation. Looking back, I realize how prideful and selfish that was. True humility isn’t about expecting recognition or results; it’s about faithfully planting seeds of faith, even if we never see the full harvest.
Serving others means loving consistently, regardless of the outcome. Whether someone comes to Jesus today, years from now, or after I’m gone, my role is to keep showing Christ’s love and finding ways to serve. That’s true humility—thinking of others before myself and persevering without any sense of entitlement.
Humility is often misunderstood. I’ve learned that it’s not about thinking less of yourself, but about thinking of yourself less. True humility shifts our focus from self-centered desires to the needs of others and how we can serve them. This is the example Jesus set for us, and it’s the way He calls us to live.
Romans 12:9–10 calls us to “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Imagine a life where none of us compete for status or recognition, but instead strive to serve and uplift one another—regardless of how we are treated. This is the kind of love that holds transforming power.
Jesus changed the world through His love and service, and He wants you and me to continue in this. This week, I challenge you to reflect on your interactions with others. Are you serving with full humility, or are you seeking results or recognition? Find one way to show consistent love and kindness, even if you don’t see a change right away. Let’s embrace His love in our own lives and take every opportunity to share it with those around us.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I pray You will continue to teach me to walk in full humility and love. Please help me to put others before myself and to serve without expecting anything in return. Help me to remember Your character toward me and use that as motivation to treat others with the same selflessness. Give me patience to plant seeds of faith, trusting You with the growth. I pray that all I do in this life will reflect Your grace and kindness, and that when people look at me, they will only see You. In Your precious name I pray these things, Amen.
