In our journey through Philippians, we discover a powerful call to humility that challenges believers to live differently from the world around them. This call isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a fundamental aspect of our identity in Christ.
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What Does It Mean When Scripture Says “Others May, But You May Not”?
There are moments in life when we face this reality: others can do certain things, but we cannot because we have something more important to attend to. Perhaps you’ve experienced this when:
- Others could stay up late, but you couldn’t because of work the next day
- Others could go out with friends, but you had siblings to care for
- Others could spend freely, but you had bills to pay
While these limitations might feel burdensome, they’re often actually graces in disguise—opportunities that help us grow and mature. This same principle applies to our faith journey.
Who Is Paul Addressing in Philippians 2?
In Philippians 2:1, Paul begins with several “if” statements:
“Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion…“
Though he uses the word “if,” Paul is actually speaking of certainties. A better translation would be “since”:
- Since you have encouragement in being united with Christ
- Since you have felt comforted by his love
- Since you have experienced fellowship with God
Paul is making it clear: this message is specifically for believers. If you are in Christ, he is talking to you. This isn’t one of those “I know somebody who should hear this message” moments—it’s for you to receive directly.
What Does Paul Say About Unity and Humility?
Paul continues in verses 3-4 with a powerful call to humility:
“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 others.“
The Greek word for humility (tapeinophrosune) means “humbleness or lowliness of mind.” It addresses both our thoughts and actions:
- Avoid selfish ambition – The “me first” mentality that puts our preferences above all else
- Avoid vain conceit – An inflated, inaccurate view of ourselves (literally “empty glory”)
When these two negative traits combine, we end up like players in a four-way tug-of-war, each pulling in our own direction, dragging others across the floor to get what we want. This might be permissible for the world, but not for those in Christ.
How Did Jesus Model Humility?
Paul points to Jesus as our ultimate example of humility in verses 5-8:
“In your relationships with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.“
Jesus took a “holy demotion” to show us what humility looks like:
- Though he is God, he didn’t chase status or power
- Though he was master, he made himself a servant
- Though he was divine, he became obedient to death—even the shameful death on a cross
Like a CEO who takes a massive pay cut to benefit his employees, Jesus went first in modeling humility. When humility is modeled at the top, everyone benefits.
What Did Jesus’ Humility Accomplish?
The passage concludes by showing the result of Jesus’ humility in verses 9-11:
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.“
Jesus’ humility resulted in his exaltation. This encourages us that humility is worth pursuing, even when:
- People don’t reciprocate our humility
- Others perceive our humility as weakness
- Our humble actions go unnoticed
If our Lord—so great that every knee will bow to him—chose humility, surely it’s worth following in his footsteps.
Life Application
The call to humility challenges us to examine our hearts and actions. This week, consider these questions:
- In what areas of your life are you tempted by “selfish ambition” or “vain conceit”?
- How might your relationships change if you consistently valued others above yourself?
- What specific step can you take this week to follow Christ’s example of humility?
Challenge yourself to identify one relationship or situation where you can intentionally practice humility this week. Perhaps it means:
- Letting someone else’s preference win instead of insisting on your own
- Serving someone without recognition or reward
- Listening more than speaking in a conversation
- Admitting when you’re wrong
Remember, when we choose humility, we not only promote unity in the body of Christ, but we also grow to become more like Jesus himself. Others may choose pride and self-promotion, but you—as a follower of Christ—are called to a different path.