Philippians 2:3-4 ~ Daily Devotion April 14 2023

Philippians 2:3-4 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit

In Philippians 2:3-4, themed “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit“, Paul exhorted the believers in Philippi to do things without selfish ambition or vain (baseless) conceit. Paul, therefore, exhorted the Philippians to do things out of humility.

Consequently, and by extension, Paul ended up breaking down what humility is by indicating what it is not. He, therefore, stated that humility involves not operating out of “selfish ambition” or “vain conceit”.

Paul’s definition of humility

Paul thereafter proceeded to define what humility is by describing what it looks like in practice. He started by writing that humility is to “value others above yourself” (verse 3). Because selfish ambition involves valuing yourself over others. And this makes you look to your own interests over the interests of others.

Moreover, Paul informed the Philippians that this was the mind that Christ had. And this is evident by His acts of washing His disciples’ feet (John 13) and dying on the cross for mankind.

The apostle Paul, importantly, wasn’t calling for the Philippians to loathe or despise themselves for the sake of others. And his call is for you not to loathe or to despise yourself. This is because true humility does not operate in an inferiority complex and by putting yourself down.

Rather, humility enables you to lift others up by affirming and honoring their dignity and worth. True humility, in fact, does not stroke your own ego or protect your sense of self-importance.

Vain conceit

Furthermore, from Paul’s letter, vain conceit which is synonymous with baseless conceit, is a function of excessive pride. And when you possess vain conceit, you become a difficult person to deal with.

Consequently, in Galatians 6:3, Paul alluded to “deception being to think that you are something when you are not”.

Humility in your life

Ultimately, therefore, humility is “not looking to your own interests”. But, it is looking “to the interests of others” (verse 4). It is denying yourself (Luke 9:23-26).

In fact, in the letter Paul wrote to the Galatians, he exhorted them to carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). He also exhorted them to do good to all, especially their fellow believers (Galatians 6:10). And this is the same exhortation that applies to you.

Therefore, in other words, Paul advocated for a mindset that seeks to give up one’s personal wants and rights out of concern for the advancement of others (Philippians 2:3-4). But this you cannot achieve on your own.

Loving others unconditionally

Now, true humility is beyond you since you cannot love others unconditionally. And this is true if you haven’t first received Jesus’ unconditional love yourself. That is, you cannot love others unconditionally without Jesus Christ. He is the only One who can love you unconditionally, of course in a purely selfless and sacrificial manner. And thereafter, you will be able to love others unconditionally because His love will have rubbed off on you.

John, in 1 John 4:7-21, revealed that God is love. That love is not merely His attribute of God, it is part of his very makeup/DNA.

Identity and Worth

Finally, if your sense of identity and worth derive from anything or anyone other than Jesus, you will continue to struggle with selfishness and conceit, things that make you put yourself first. Because it is only when you are humbled by the perfect love of Christ, that you are able to humbly love others like Him, valuing and serving them above yourself.

Prayer/Blessing

Lord Jesus, please awaken my mind to be in line with Your mind so that I may have the mind of a servant. Then, I may fully humble myself to You first, then to others second.

This is my humble plea in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Romans 11-13 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))