This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Building Together: “It Takes ALL of us” (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 2:1–11 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Yesterday we were reminded that unity is a gift. Through Christ, God has brought us into one body, given us one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one hope. But if unity is the gift, what protects that gift? Paul points us to humility.
Humility is not weakness. It is not thinking less of yourself or pretending that you have nothing to offer. True humility is recognizing that life is not ultimately about getting my way, protecting my reputation, or making sure my preferences are honored. Humility is the deliberate and courageous choice to consider the needs of others because I know I belong to something bigger than myself.
Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3–4).
That is a challenging word. It is easy to value others when they agree with us, appreciate us, or treat us well. It is much harder when someone disappoints us, misunderstands us, or does something we would have done differently.
Then Paul gives us the ultimate example: Jesus.
Jesus had every right to glory. He is the Son of God. Yet He willingly humbled Himself, took on human flesh, entered our broken world, and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. He didn’t cling to His rights. He gave Himself for people who could offer Him nothing in return.
Jesus’ humility wasn’t weakness. It was love in action.
And that same humility changes the way we live with one another. Sometimes guarding unity means choosing to listen instead of defend ourselves. It may mean having the difficult conversation instead of allowing assumptions to grow. It may mean apologizing even when we think the other person should apologize first. It may mean giving up a preference because preserving the relationship matters more than getting our way.
Division often begins quietly. A hurt goes unspoken. A story gets repeated. An assumption replaces a conversation. A preference becomes a demand. Before long, pride has built a wall where Christ intended there to be a connection.
The good news is that Jesus doesn’t simply give us an example to imitate. He is our Savior. The One who humbled Himself for us has forgiven our pride and continues to shape us by His grace.
So today, ask not simply, “Who needs to be more humble?” Ask, “Where is Christ calling me to humble myself?”
Because pride fights over the pieces. Humility builds with the pieces.
Reflect:
- Where might pride, hurt, or a desire to have my own way be affecting one of my relationships? What would humility look like in that situation?
- How does remembering the humility and sacrifice of Jesus change the way I respond when I feel overlooked, hurt, or frustrated by someone else?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You humbled Yourself for me and gave Your life for my salvation. Forgive me for the times I have put my own interests, preferences, and pride ahead of others. Give me the humility to listen, the courage to seek peace, and the love to put others before myself. Help me guard the unity You have given Your people. When I am tempted to protect my rights, remind me of Your cross. Shape my heart to become more like Yours. Amen.