A Champion of Others
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4, NIV).
It was a busy Monday, and my son’s turtle pace was bumping into my let’s-get-going timeline. The goal: Get him to school early so I could grab coffee and have quiet time.
Unfortunately, my hurried “encouragement” brought him to tears, which were followed by a hug and apology from me.
Maybe you’ve been there too. It’s easy to be in a rush when the world whispers, You don’t have time for this. If I’m honest, there have been times when I’ve missed what later looked a lot like God-ordained moments because I was so inwardly focused.
I don’t want to live a me-centered life, but sometimes I do.
The Apostle Paul’s words in today’s key verses were written to believers in Philippi, but they speak just as clearly to us as a reminder that we’ve been called to champion the cause of the people God places around us:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Everything we’ve been given — time, resources, and gifts — is meant to reflect His glory and bless others.
Living with a “we” mentality over a “me” one is not easy. Choosing humility and generosity can feel like an uphill battle. But through Christ, it is possible. It may look like offering a shoulder to cry on or giving to meet a financial need. It might mean celebrating someone else’s successes while still waiting for our own.
While it takes time and intentionality to slow down and invest in those around us, we often receive far more than we give. Quiet joy and deep fulfillment are by-products of living beyond ourselves.
What a privilege it is to partner with God in this way! When we surrender to His purpose, we sow seeds of faithfulness that will produce a harvest that selfishness could never yield.
It may be tempting to live a self-centered life, but my soul knows there’s a richer way. I want to be someone who champions others — rejoicing with those who rejoice and sitting with those who are hurting (Romans 12:15). I want to slow down and show others that they matter to God and to me. I want to celebrate others’ victories with a sincere heart, trusting that God’s plans for me are also good, still unfolding, and worth the wait.
Will you join me, friend? Let’s look out for the interests of others, not just our own. The harvest will be worth it.
Father, thank You for the gift of loving and serving You by serving others. I want to trust You more deeply for my provision, even when things in my life aren’t going as planned. Show me how to bless others with presence and with Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
One First 5 reader shared: “I start my day with the First 5 app and love how it helps me dive into God’s Word. So many days I feel like there’s a message tucked in there that was meant for me … The past seven years have been a difficult season, but God has been with me every step, and the devotions keep me focused on Him.” Stories like this are possible because friends like you invest in this ministry. Every day, women open First 5 looking for biblical Truth that steadies their hearts and draws them closer to Jesus. And right now, your help is vital to keep it that way. We still have a financial year-end funding gap to close — and the September 30 deadline is almost here. So thank you for your gift today to help more women experience the same encouragement, hope, and Truth.
ENGAGE
Today’s devotion writer, Jenny Wheeler, joined the Proverbs 31 Ministries staff in 2016 and currently serves as Office Manager as well as writes occasionally for Encouragement for Today Devotions and First 5. As a worship leader, singer-songwriter, and wife of a minister, Jenny has been in ministry for over 30 years. You can find her music on YouTube or iTunes.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (ESV).
Our lives were not meant to be lived solo; we are made for community. Consider and praise God for a time when someone reached out to you during a high or low moment of life. Then, find someone this week to be intentionally kind to who needs a shoulder to lean on or a high five to celebrate.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Thursday, 17 September 2026.
SHARE
