Upside-Down Ambition: Pursuing Greatness Through Humble Service
The High Call of Christlike Relationships: Dying to Self, Living for Others
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; (contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends) but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves). Philippians 2:3.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. (give precedence, show honor) Romans 12:10.
A Higher Calling: Putting Others Before Ourselves
As a young boy, I learned a simple phrase that has stuck with me: "Jesus first, others second, yourself last." This principle, drawn from Christ's teachings, contradicts our natural human bent toward selfishness. Yet it encapsulates the radical way of living that believers are called to in the New Testament.
Scripture paints a different picture in a world that continually encourages us to look out for "number one," to trample others to get ahead and insist on our rights and desires. The way of Christ is one of humility, selflessness, and considering others as more important than ourselves.
The New Testament weaves this upside-down value system throughout. In the New Testament, we are instructed to follow Jesus, who emphasized his purpose of serving rather than being served (Mark 10:45). Jesus taught that the greatest in the kingdom must become like the youngest and least (Luke 9:48). In God's economy, the way up is down—dying to ourselves and exalting others above our interests.
Paul echoes this theme, urging believers not to be "selfish" or to act merely from "vain conceit" but to "humbly value others above yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). He challenges us to look out for the interests of others rather than just our own (v.4). Elsewhere, he instructs us to "honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10).
Peter likewise calls us to "clothe ourselves with humility toward one another" (1 Peter 5:5). We are to be "like-minded, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble" (1 Peter 3:8). This is the antithesis of self-centered living that looks out only for "me first."
Yet when we look at how believers often treat one another, we see the opposite of this self-denying, others-focused attitude that should mark Christ's followers. Conflict, division, slander, pride, envy, and selfish ambition run rampant, fueled by putting our desires and perceived rights ahead of others' needs.
How, then, should we live? The New Testament is clear - we are called to a higher standard that considers others more important than ourselves. To "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).
This requires a seismic shift in our mindset and priorities. It means learning to see others through Christ's sacrificial love rather than being blinded by our interests. It involves dying daily to the self-centered tendencies that scream, "Me first!" and instead asking, "How can I prefer others and put their needs above my own?"
Ultimately, this upside-down way of living flows from the gospel itself. Once enemies of God, we have been shown immeasurable grace and love through Christ's humility in leaving Heaven's glory to serve us. How can we not extend that same self-denying, others-focused attitude to our fellow brothers and sisters?
May we, as believers, recapture this radical, countercultural calling to consider others more significant than ourselves. When we embrace this upside-down value system, we not only follow in the footsteps of our Savior but also display His very heart to a world consumed with looking out for number one.
Normal selfish behavior
Do all the talking and keeping others from speaking
Not considering the other person and their perspective or feelings.
Taking credit for the ideas or accomplishments of others.
Self-promotion
Manipulating others to get what you want.
Asking favors but never giving favors.
Gossiping about others behind their backs, speaking ill of them.
Holding onto grudges and refusing to extend forgiveness.
Taking joy in others' failures or misfortunes.
Refusing to help others in need because we prioritize our comfort.
How we can esteem others better than ourselves
Their needs before our desires.
Speaking highly of others and complementing their strengths and accomplishments.
Listen intentionally when others talk without interrupting.
Make others feel valued and appreciated.
Serve others without expecting anything in return.
Express gratitude when others help you.
Defend others when they are wrongly criticized.
Root causes of selfish behavior
Pride and arrogance
Insecurity and low self-esteem
Envy and jealousy of others' abilities
Comparing oneself to others
Desire for status, power, or recognition
Bitterness or resentment towards others
Competitiveness and rivalry
Fear of being taken advantage of
Ingratitude and entitlement mentality
Failure to see inherent worth in all people
Report from Thomas Alute
Thomas Alute is one of my heroes. He is a pastor serving in Kenya. If you support Alignment Ministries then you are helping support Pastor Alute. He regularly sends me reports like the following. They are never long but some of the most encouraging texts that I ever recieve. I thought you would enjoy reading this. Pastor Alute just sent this text:
Yesterday, I took my car to a car wash in town; at handing the vehicle to Victor, the car washer, I noticed a young man idling on a chair, whom I found to be Moses Baraza. Inquiring why he was not working, he promised to get busy with a smile. Then, I inquired if he had been saved, and he responded by saying he was doing his best to seek and please God. I went for my New Testament and showed him it’s not a matter of trying or striving to please God but acknowledging your sin and the sacrifice of Christ for us, and Moses was gladly saved by grace through faith in the Lord, praise to His name.
Books that Help
Are You Called?: A Checklist to Discern Your Calling from God
Inspiring Missions and Empowering Leaders
World Evangelism Podcast seeks to add value to your life to accomplish what you know that God desires for the entire world. God loves all and wants all to be saved. Learn how you can do more to help accomplish the goal of world evangelism. Listen and subscribe for free.
Christ likeness, becoming first by being a bond slave to other, great great