UASV’s Daily Devotional All Things Bible, Sunday, June 01, 2025

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In Humility Consider Others Superior: A Devotional on Philippians 2:3

The Call to Selfless Thinking in a Self-Exalting World

“Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you.” — Philippians 2:3

This verse contains one of the clearest commands in all Scripture regarding the inner attitude of the Christian heart. It strikes at the root of the natural human tendency to assert oneself, to seek recognition, and to value self above others. The apostle Paul, writing from prison in Rome around 61–62 C.E., pens this exhortation to the congregation in Philippi, urging them to adopt an outlook of humility and unity that reflects the mind of Christ.

This instruction was not merely about fostering politeness or civility—it was about conforming the believer’s mind to the example of Christ, who humbled himself to the point of death. Philippians 2:3 introduces a series of commands that flow from a central plea in verse 2: “make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in soul, having the same mind.” The verse we now examine explains the means by which that unity is cultivated: through selflessness and humility.

“Do nothing out of contentiousness…”

The first prohibition in this verse addresses self-serving rivalry. The Greek word here, ἐριθεία (eritheia), is used to describe a spirit of ambition that leads to division, often translated as “selfish ambition” or “strife.” It denotes action driven by the desire to promote oneself, usually by competing with others for recognition, influence, or position.

This kind of behavior was rampant in the Roman world and is no less common today. It reflects the mindset that says, “I must come first, I must be seen, I must be elevated.” But Paul issues a sweeping command: do nothing out of this motive. There is no allowance for personal agendas, backbiting, or posturing for power within the body of Christ.

This prohibition is essential for maintaining church unity. A church divided by competition—whether for leadership roles, teaching influence, or social standing—is a church that dishonors Christ. Those who sow discord for self-gain act contrary to the Spirit of God.

“…or out of egotism…”

The second prohibited motive is κενοδοξία (kenodoxia), literally “empty glory” or “vain conceit.” This refers to the desire to receive admiration without substance—the pursuit of praise without spiritual merit.

This vanity is deceptive. It masquerades as zeal or confidence but is rooted in pride. Those driven by “empty glory” seek approval, admiration, and accolades for themselves, often at the expense of truth and service. Their concern is not to exalt Christ but to elevate their reputation.

Paul’s warning is clear: there is no room for self-glorifying motives in the life of a faithful Christian. All glory must be directed to Jehovah (Isaiah 42:8), and every believer is a servant, not a celebrity (Luke 17:10). The pursuit of ego has no place in a congregation governed by the Word.

“…but with humility consider others superior to you.”

The positive command that follows is the heart of the verse: instead of being driven by selfishness or pride, the believer must walk in humility.

The word used here, ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosynē), refers to lowliness of mind. It is not self-loathing or weakness. It is the intentional lowering of oneself in estimation, not denying truth but refraining from self-exaltation. In Greco-Roman culture, humility was not a virtue—it was despised. Paul’s use of this term reflects the radical transformation the gospel brings to human values.

To be humble is to see oneself truthfully before God, as one who is completely dependent on divine mercy, and therefore unworthy to exalt self above others. Paul is not calling believers to deny their spiritual gifts or God-given roles, but to renounce any sense of superiority, knowing that every good thing comes from above (James 1:17).

And more than that, he commands the Christian to “consider others superior.” The verb ἡγεῖσθε (hēgeisthe) means to think, regard, or reckon. It is a mental attitude, not an emotional reaction. This is a deliberate choice to elevate others in your mind, to honor them above self.

The word “superior” (ὑπερέχοντας, hyperechontas) indicates “more important” or “worthy of higher regard.” Again, this is not about objective worth—Paul is not denying personal value or truth. Rather, he is commanding a posture of deference and respect, seeing others as more deserving of consideration, attention, and honor than oneself.

The Pattern of Christ: The Ultimate Example

This call to humility finds its full expression in Philippians 2:5–8, where Paul presents Christ as the supreme model of self-emptying obedience. Though Jesus existed in the form of God, He did not grasp after divine privilege, but emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and became obedient to the point of death.

If anyone had a right to insist on honor, it was Christ. Yet He laid aside His glory to serve others, even to the point of the cross. That mindset—total humility for the good of others—is what Paul commands believers to imitate.

Practical Application: Living Out Philippians 2:3

Inspect your motives
Before acting or speaking, ask: Is this motivated by selfish ambition or empty glory? If the answer is yes, repent. Purge the heart of pride and redirect your focus to Christ.
Serve without seeking credit
Let your deeds be done without desire for recognition. The true servant does not need to be thanked or praised but finds joy in the act of service itself.
Promote others in love
Speak well of others. Defend their reputation. Celebrate their gifts. Honor their contributions. Consider how you can build them up, not promote yourself.
Pursue lowliness deliberately
Choose tasks that are unnoticed or thankless. Take the lower seat. Listen more than you speak. Let others go first. These habits train the soul in humility.
Meditate on the humility of Christ
Let His example recalibrate your heart. Read and reread Philippians 2:5–11. Ask Jehovah to make your mind like His.

Conclusion: The Mindset of the Mature Christian

Philippians 2:3 is a direct command from the Spirit of God through the apostle Paul. It is not optional. The Christian is not merely invited to be humble—he is commanded to reject all self-promotion and instead regard others as more important than himself.

This is not weakness. It is the strength of true maturity. It is the path of the Savior. It is the safeguard of unity, the evidence of love, and the key to lasting peace in the body of Christ.

“Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you.”
Let this mindset govern every thought, every interaction, and every act of service in your life today.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).