Devotionals

Finding Life in Lifting Others

by Michael Edwards 
11/09/25
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“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.” Philippians 2:3–4 (ESV) 

In a world that shouts “me first,” Jesus whispers a radical counter-invitation: lose your life to find it. The New Testament weaves two threads into one glorious tapestry—esteeming others higher than ourselves and surrendering our lives for Christ’s sake. These are not separate calls but two sides of the same coin: true life blooms when self shrinks.

Jesus modeled this perfectly. Though He was God, “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). His throne was a cross; His crown, thorns. In washing His disciples’ feet, He declared, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). To follow Him is to kneel beside Him, towel in hand.

This losing of life isn’t mere self-denial; it’s self-replacement. When we “count others more significant,” we dethrone ego and enthrone Christ in every relationship. Paul urges, “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10, NIV, cross-referenced with ESV intent). Imagine a marriage where each spouse races to out-serve the other, or a church where no task is beneath anyone because no person is beneath anyone.

Yet this isn’t masochism—it’s liberation. Jesus promised, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39). The Greek word for “lose” here means to destroy or forfeit. When we forfeit our right to be right, to be noticed, to be comfortable, we discover a life deeper than ambition: the very life of Christ pulsing through us. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

Peter learned this the hard way. After denying Jesus, he was restored with a simple command: “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). His leadership wasn’t in lording over others but in laying down his life for the flock (1 Peter 5:2–3). The shepherd becomes a sheep, washed by the Lamb.

Today, ask: Whose feet am I refusing to wash? The coworker who irritates? The family member who wounds? Start small—send the encouraging text, take the trash without being asked, listen without interrupting. Each act is a death to self and a resurrection to Christ’s life.

Lord Jesus, teach me to count others more significant than myself. Crucify my pride on Your cross. Let me lose my life in loving service, that I might find it in You. Amen.

More New Covenant Bible studies HERE. 

Jesus shed His blood to bring us the New Covenant of grace and truth - Luke 22:20.