Philippians 2:3-8 - Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

This passage from Paul's letter to the Philippians talks about the importance of humility. Paul encourages the Philippians to have humility and not act out of selfish ambition or empty conceit. Instead, they should value others as more important than themselves and look to the interests of others. Paul uses the example of Jesus, who existed in the very nature of God but did not consider equality with God something to be used for his own benefit. Instead, Jesus emptied himself by taking the form of a servant and being born as a human. He further humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Jesus provides the ultimate example of humility for us to follow.

This passage highlights how humility should be the guiding principle in all of our interactions with others. Like Jesus, we are called to empty ourselves of selfish pride and ambition, and instead consider others as more important than ourselves. We must look to serving the interests and needs of others rather than only our own. Jesus shows us that true humility means willingly giving up power, privilege and position for the sake of serving others. He did not cling to his divine status but took on the humble position of a servant. He showed radical, sacrificial love by giving up his life on the cross to save humanity. Jesus' example of humility challenges us to lay aside our own desires and priorities, and to humbly serve one another in love. When we adopt this attitude of humility, it fosters unity as we work together for the common good rather than competing for status or recognition. May we follow Jesus' example each day by emptying ourselves of pride and putting the needs of others before our own.

Lord, thank you for the example of humility that you showed us through your life, death and resurrection. Forgive us when we act pridefully and only consider our own interests. Help us to value others above ourselves and look to serving the needs of those around us. May we follow your example each day by humbly and selflessly loving and serving one another. Fill us with your Spirit so that we have the heart of Christ, who emptied himself by taking the form of a servant. We pray this in your holy name. Amen.