Bible Verse
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Here, you’ll know & learn:
・Verse Context
・Key Words
・References from Other Verses of the Bible
・Main Message
・How to Apply this Verse in Your Life
・How to Further Study the Verse
Today, we're reflecting on what real success looks like through God's eyes. God shows us a different path in a world that often measures achievement by what we gain for ourselves. The Bible teaches us that true greatness comes when we focus on lifting others up rather than promoting ourselves. This gentle shift in perspective can transform our relationships and bring unexpected joy.
Short Devotional
Jesus gave us the perfect picture of this upside-down definition of success when He washed His disciples' feet. Imagine the scene: the Creator of the universe taking a towel, kneeling down, and doing the job usually reserved for the lowest household servant. The disciples were shocked into silence as their Teacher performed this humble act. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" Jesus asked them afterward. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet" (John 13:12-14).
What makes this moment so powerful is that Jesus knew exactly who He was. He wasn't insecure about His position or importance. From this place of complete security, He showed that true greatness comes from serving others, not from being served. This challenges us to reconsider what success really means. When we focus on lifting others up rather than climbing over them, we follow Jesus' example and discover the paradox of God's kingdom: the way up is down.
Read more about Jesus washing the disciples' feet in John 13:1-17.
Let's Pray
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being present with me right now. As I reflect on Your Word in Philippians 2, I'm grateful that You show me a different way to measure success than what the world teaches me.
Lord, I confess that I often struggle with wanting recognition and praise. Sometimes, I catch myself trying to impress others instead of serving them. The desire to be seen as important or successful can sneak into my heart without me even noticing. Please forgive me for those times when I've put my interests above others or when I've missed opportunities to lift someone else up because I was too focused on myself.
Thank You for the example of Jesus, who had every right to be served yet chose to serve instead. The image of Him washing His disciples' feet reminds me that greatness in Your kingdom looks different than what I'm used to seeing. Thank You for this beautiful upside-down way of thinking that brings freedom from the exhausting race for status and recognition.
Help me to find joy in celebrating others' successes rather than feeling threatened by them. Give me eyes to see the needs around me and the courage to meet them, even when no one is watching. When I'm tempted to promote myself, remind me of Your definition of success—lifting others higher rather than climbing over them.
I ask for wisdom to know when and how to encourage those around me. Show me practical ways to put others first in my family, workplace, church, and community. Help me to be genuinely interested in other people's concerns, not just my own.
I trust that as I follow Your example, You will take care of my needs and guide my path. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for showing me a better way to live. I pray this with confidence in Jesus' name,
Amen.
Journaling Prompts
How does God's definition of success (elevating others) differ from how you were taught to measure success growing up? What would need to change in your thinking to align more with God's perspective?
When was the last time someone elevated you or your needs above their own? How did it make you feel, and how did it impact your relationship with that person?
What areas of your life do you find it most difficult to put others' interests ahead of your own? What fears or concerns make this challenging?
Thank you for joining us in reflecting on true success through God's eyes. Remember that small acts of putting others first can create ripples of change in our relationships and communities. When we choose to measure greatness by how we serve rather than by what we achieve for ourselves, we participate in God's upside-down kingdom.
May you find unexpected joy as you practice elevating others this week. We're excited to continue growing together and look forward to reconnecting in our next letter.
Until next time,
May the Lord Bless you and keep you;
May He make His face shine upon you;
And be gracious to you and give you peace
God Bless!
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