Quiet Humility

 "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3 ESV).

Two actions and behaviors we should not do if we are to have genuine humility; they are: selfish ambition and conceit.  If we have these when we do anything, well, we would not be noted for our humility.

I see selfish ambition and conceit pictured like a peacock that raises its tail feathers up into a most beautiful and elegant fan.  It is very beautiful and it catches our attention.  Yet the male peacock struts about squawking, showing off and trying to attract attention to itself.

If we 

"count others more significant than ourselves" 

we will need to see them as being more important than ourselves; we will  need to show interest in what they say and think.  We'll need to truly listen with our ears, eyes, hearts, giving the speaker respect.

This is the attitude like that of Jesus Christ we should imitate, so that in all things we look out for the interests of others and do what we can for them as the need arises.

Perhaps an opposite picture of the proud peacock would be being "as quiet as a mouse".  We can just do things quietly, even behind the scenes.

I know of a sister who does that.  She gets to church early on a Sunday and helps to arrange the chairs and prepares the bread and wine on communion Sundays. Most of this 'work' is done before others arrive.  All is set up and ready for the members.  Most would not know of, or even think of, what this sister has done in faithful service to the Lord, for years.

This is quiet humility in action.

Let's have ambition to achieve something but let's not be selfish or conceited about it.  This will be like our Jesus.

Lord Jesus, once again we thank You for the humility You showed us to come to earth and die on the cross for us.  You bowed to Your Father's will for our good and benefit.  Help us to imitate Your quiet humility on a daily basis.  I ask in Your name.  Amen.

                                              ~ ERC November 2025 ~

Based on Philippians 2:3 ESV.

Somg.Speak, O Lord, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.