15 February 2025: Humility

Philippians 2:3-4
"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."

Humility is one of the most powerful, yet most challenging, virtues to live out. It is not about thinking less of ourselves but about choosing to lift others up instead of seeking our own glory. Jesus, the Son of God, came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28). If He, the King of Kings, humbled Himself to the lowest position, how much more should we?

There was a time in my life when I unknowingly struggled with pride. It wasn’t the loud, boastful kind of pride—it was subtle. I wanted to be noticed for my efforts, appreciated for my hard work, and validated in my achievements. If I did something good, I wanted recognition. If I made a sacrifice, I hoped someone would see it.

One evening, after a church event, I stayed behind to help clean up. As I stacked chairs and wiped down tables, I glanced around, realizing that no one had noticed my effort. A twinge of resentment crept into my heart: Doesn’t anyone see how much I’m doing?

But then, in that quiet moment, God spoke to my heart: Why are you serving? For recognition or for Me?

I was convicted. True humility isn’t about being seen—it’s about serving when no one notices. It’s about surrendering our need for approval and finding joy in obedience to God. That night, I prayed, Lord, let me serve without seeking acknowledgement. Let me give without expecting anything in return.

Jesus, the perfect example of humility, bent down and washed the feet of His disciples, including the one who would betray Him (John 13:5). He wasn’t concerned about recognition. He wasn’t trying to prove anything. He simply loved and served because that is the heart of humility—choosing love over pride, surrender over status, and service over self.

Maybe today, you feel unseen in the sacrifices you make. Perhaps you are pouring into your family, your work, and your ministry, and no one seems to notice. But take heart—God sees you. Every unseen act of kindness, every quiet moment of service, every choice to love instead of seek attention—He notices it all.

So today, ask yourself: How can I serve without expecting anything in return? How can I reflect Christ’s humility in my words and actions? Because the more we empty ourselves, the more room we make for His love to shine through us.

Lord, teach me to walk in humility, just as You did. Help me to serve with a heart that expects nothing in return. Strip away my pride and fill me with Your love. May my life reflect Your servant’s heart in everything I do. Amen.