Humility is a characteristic that God both loves and requires from us. It’s foundational to our relationship with Him. In fact, arrogance was the very first sin ever committed. From God’s Word, we learn that satan was once a beautiful and powerful archangel of light, but he became arrogant and wanted to be greater than God. As Isaiah 14:13-14 (NLT) says: “For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.'” Pride began with satan’s desire to be more than what God had designed him to be. He saw the beauty and talents God had given him, but instead of being grateful, pride crept in. It’s a warning for all of us—pride can sneak in when we start to focus on our own abilities instead of recognizing where they come from.
Philippians 2:3 (NLT) says, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” We might ask ourselves why God requires a heart like this, and the answer is quite simple. Our precious Lord and Savior has a heart just like this! Jesus, like all of us, had free will. He could have easily told God that the assignment of saving humanity was too great a burden to bear. Yet, in His humility, He willingly laid down His life. As 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT) reminds us: “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” Jesus chose to give up his heavenly glory, not because he had to, but because he loved us. His life is the ultimate example of thinking of others as better than oneself, even to the point of sacrifice.
Humbling ourselves and putting others first is a different way of thinking. It’s putting on the mind and heart of Christ, and it can be a challenging task for some, especially in today’s world. But nothing about our current life is a surprise to God. He knew the world would be as it is, but this doesn’t change His Word nor His requirement that we walk by the Spirit and follow the example of Christ.
2 Timothy 3:1-4 (NLT) tells us: “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.” As we look around, we see this prophecy unfolding in real time. The temptation to embrace selfishness, pride, and self-obsession is strong, but even in the midst of this, Jesus gives us hope. In Revelation 3:2 (NLT), He says, “Strengthen what little remains.” In other words, even when it feels like all is lost, there’s still something worth holding onto, and that something is a Godly way of living that honors our Heavenly Father and puts others first.
He tells us this because it’s so easy to get caught up in our own needs and desires. The truth of the matter is, nothing else—nothing we accumulate or achieve here on earth—matters except what we do for God’s Kingdom. God’s Will is clear: He wants everyone to be saved, and He has commissioned us, His children, to reach as many people as we can to bring them into His fold. But how can we focus on the Will of the Lord when all we think about is ourselves? We can’t. God has commanded us to trust His provision and protection for our lives as we actively serve the needs of others.
Matthew 6:19-20 (NLT) instructs us: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” We store up treasures in heaven by focusing on God’s Will and caring about others more than we care about ourselves. It greatly pleases God when our hearts begin to look more like the heart of Christ. This is the heart of why we’re here; to live out God’s Will and to be faithful to His purpose. As we commit to walking in humility, living for His kingdom, and focusing on others, we will witness God’s faithfulness to bless us and take care of all our needs. His promises remain true, and He is always faithful to those who align their hearts with His. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Thinking of Others as Better Than Yourself”, written by KLizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.