Lifesprings International Ministries

Connecting, encouraging, and preparing women to impact their communities with the love of God.

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Listen:

“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)

Reflect:

This passage brings to my mind, a timeless reminder of humility, kindness, and their importance in interactions with family and community, including at the workplace.

Serving lunch to the 200+ women who attended the Kachumbala Retreat. Photo by LSM Uganda alumna Lucy Alupo.

It seems like an impossible mission at this time because society drives us to consider ourselves first. The verse says our actions shouldn’t be driven by selfish desires or a need for personal glory. Instead, we should act with pure intentions and humility for His glory.

Please remember that it did not say to look down on or undervalue oneself. My understanding of this verse is that we are to respect and extend much needed empathy to one another. For example, I try to listen to my family and home church community carefully when we are discussing or sharing our life battles and celebrations. By being curious; listening and caring, we can show others they matter to me and they are valuable to God and their opinion matters. The problems are temporary, but people are lasting.

Last but not least, again, the word of God always teaches us completely different ways from this world. Even my friend told me when I asked his opinion about this verse, “It is impossible to always look to other’s interests, you have to be balanced and

seek your interest first then you can help the others.” Yet God’s word says, “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves”. We are called to try to be like Him day by day—Walking by faith not by sight, regardless of what this world says.

Prayer of Response:

Thank you Lord for Your mercy and Your love. Unending and unlimited. Thank you for teaching us your wisdom words and building our spirit in Your way, You are the way, the truth and the life. In Jesus name. Amen.

Questions to Ponder:

  1. In what ways can we practice humility and selflessness?
  2. How might our daily interactions and relationships change if we consistently prioritized the interests of others?

—Submitted by: Michka Gantulga
I am Michka (Nickname) My full name is Munkhtsetseg Gantulga and I am a graduate of LSM Mongolia. Ordinary kid, chosen one, a daughter to Almighty Father.