”3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3–4
Are you a leader?
Leadership is often associated with power, authority, and influence. But as Christians, we are called to a different kind of leadership—one that is rooted in humility and service to others. Philippians 2:3-4 provides us with a blueprint for this Christ-like leadership. It challenges us to reject selfish ambition and to put others’ needs above our own.
Recently, I had the privilege of reaching over 1.4 million views on one of my YouTube videos. While this could be a moment to celebrate personal achievement, I am reminded that God allowed me to thrive on this platform not for self-promotion, but for spreading the Good News about Christ and the promise of Heaven. With great influence comes great responsibility, and as leaders in our faith, we must always keep our focus on serving others and glorifying God.
1. Leadership Begins with Humility:
Paul’s words in Philippians 2:3-4 challenge the common notion of leadership. The world often tells us that leadership is about being the best, climbing to the top, and making our mark. But Paul instructs us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” True leadership, according to Scripture, is not about elevating ourselves but about lowering ourselves in service to others.
Jesus is the ultimate example of humble leadership. He, who is God, took on human form, served others, and even washed the feet of His disciples. He did not seek to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). As leaders, we must follow His example by leading with humility, recognizing that our position is a platform to serve, not to be served.
2. Valuing Others Above Ourselves:
The second part of the verse emphasizes the importance of valuing others above ourselves. In leadership, this means that we must prioritize the well-being and interests of those we lead. This doesn’t mean that we neglect our own needs, but it does mean that we consider the impact of our decisions on others and seek to uplift and support them.
When we truly value others, our leadership is marked by compassion, empathy, and a desire to see others succeed. We become less concerned with our own status and more focused on helping others grow in their faith and reach their potential. This is the kind of leadership that builds strong, Christ-centered communities.
3. Looking to the Interests of Others:
Paul concludes by urging us to “look not to our own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This is perhaps the most challenging aspect of Christ-like leadership. It requires us to be selfless, to be aware of the needs around us, and to take action to meet those needs.
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget about the struggles and challenges faced by others. But as leaders, we are called to be attentive to the needs of those around us and to act in ways that demonstrate the love of Christ. This might mean giving our time, resources, or energy to support someone in need, or it might mean using our platform to advocate for those who are voiceless.
4. Using Platforms for God’s Glory:
As I reflect on the recent success of my video, I am reminded of the responsibility that comes with influence. With over 1.4 million views on YouTube, another 150,000 hits on TikTok, and counting, I have been given a platform that can reach many people. But this platform is not for my glory; it is for God’s glory. It is an opportunity to share the Good News about Jesus, the risen Savior, to speak about the hope and promise of Heaven, and to encourage others in their faith.
Each of us has a platform, whether it’s in our workplace, our community, or our social media presence. We must use these platforms to point others to Christ, to share His love, and to be leaders who reflect His humility and grace.C
Leadership is not about power or prestige; it is about humility, service, and valuing others above ourselves. As we lead in our various capacities, let us remember the words of Philippians 2:3-4 and strive to be leaders who reflect the character of Christ. Let us use our influence to spread the Good News, to serve others, and to glorify God in all that we do.
May we lead with humility, love, and a deep commitment to the interests of others, always pointing back to the One who is the true Leader of our lives—Jesus.
To God be all the glory, now and forever.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Paul,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
