May 21
Humble Yourself
in Service
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Daily Steps
Selfishness is the greatest destroyer of relational peace. This passage provides the new believer with the antidote: humility expressed through service. Finding peace in relationships requires intentionally prioritizing others.
The peace in this command is rooted in Christ-like humility:
The Negative Commands: We must actively avoid "selfish ambition or vain conceit." These self-focused mindsets naturally lead to conflict and broken relationships because they make you demand your own way. Eliminating these attitudes is the first step toward peace.
The Positive Command: We are instructed, "in humility consider others better than yourselves." This does not mean you are actually less valuable; it means you choose to act as if their needs, feelings, and comfort are more important than your own. This intentional humility creates harmony.
The Practical Service: The final act is "Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Peace is secured by shifting your focus from "what I need" to "what they need." This commitment to serving others—by looking out for their interests—naturally resolves conflict.
Your relational peace is secured by humble service. When you consistently look out for the interests of others, you embody the example of Christ and cultivate a spirit of harmony.
Reflective Question
Is there a relationship where you have been acting out of selfish ambition or demanding your own way? What is one specific, humble act of service you can offer today that intentionally looks to the interests of the other person?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my pride and self-centeredness, which often destroys my relationships. I pray for the genuine humility of Christ. Help me to consider others better than myself and to actively look to the interests of others today. May this commitment to humble service secure peace and harmony in my relationships. Amen.
