Thinking of Others Without Losing Yourself
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:1-5
Philippians 2:1–5 can sound a little confusing at first. When Paul tells us to “value others above ourselves,” it might feel like he’s saying we should make ourselves smaller or act like we don’t matter. But that’s not what he means, and it’s definitely not how Jesus sees us.
God never asks us to think less of ourselves. He asks us to think of ourselves less.
There’s a big difference.
In a world that constantly tells us to promote ourselves, protect our image, and make everything about me, this kind of thinking feels completely backwards. Social media rewards attention, comparison, and self-focus. But following Jesus has always been counter-cultural. If we want to make a difference, we actually have to live differently.
Jesus is our example. He lived a life that wasn’t centered on His own comfort, recognition, or rights. He noticed people. He served people. He loved people, often when it cost Him something. And the Bible tells us that if we want to be like Christ, we have to learn to live the way He lived.
Let’s be honest, this isn’t easy for anyone. Not even pastors get this right all the time. But I’ve noticed something powerful: every time I pause and choose to think about someone else instead of myself, I walk away with something I didn’t expect…joy!
It can be small. Praying for a friend first thing in the morning. Letting someone go ahead of you. Paying for a stranger’s coffee.
Or it can be harder. Choosing not to vent about someone who annoyed you. Deciding to protect their reputation instead of proving your point. Letting go of the need to be right.
Putting others first doesn’t always feel natural, but it always produces something supernatural. When we obey God and trust Him with the outcome, He meets us there. He sees our yes. And He blesses a life that looks like His.