Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3

This is the definition of humility: that I consider the other person more important than myself: my wife, my boss, my fellow worker, the guy asking me for money on the street. Selfish ambition and conceit indicate that I assume I’m the more important one; that’s the opposite of humility.

Here’s a practical application that comes just a few verses later:

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life...
Philippians 2:14-16

What makes the difference between my being one more ego-driven jerk in a nasty, twisted world, and being a shining light in the darkness?

It’s this attitude of humility that develops when I cling to God’s Word. When I trust in His promises I discover that I’m free to do whatever’s been given to me without grumbling, arguing and complaining. When that happens, I’ll stand out like a light in a dark place.That attitude of genuine humility will light up my home, my marriage, my job…

Lord Jesus, I want to be the shining light in a dark place, not just one more ego-driven jerk adding to the pain. Forgive my self-centeredness! Help me to assume that the person I’m talking to is more important than myself. Light up my life with Your presence in me today. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles