Listen to today’s devo!

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. (Phil 2:3)

Expanded Passage: Philippians 2:3

Amelia had hidden her sister’s toy for months. In fact, she buried it underneath all her other toys, at the very bottom of her toybox. Amelia had wanted that special toy for herself so desperately that she kept it hidden, not even bringing it out to play with. When her sister dissolved in tears about the missing toy one day, Amelia didn’t want to reveal what she had done.

We don’t have to teach children to be selfish. It comes naturally, as part of our fallen state. We are hardwired by sin to prefer ourselves and to care more about our desires than what is good for those around us. Humility is, in fact, one of the most miraculous transformations we experience as we grow in communion with Jesus. Where we once saw ourselves as the main character in every story, we now begin to see where Jesus is working. Where we once thought more highly of ourselves than anyone else, we now extend compassion and empathy to others.

Transformation takes time and happens slowly for most. But it is a beautiful ongoing miracle that surprises us and others around us, and displays the power of God.

Amelia’s heart stirred while her sister continued to cry, so she fished the toy from the depths, wrapped it in sparkly paper, and delivered the coveted gift along with a bashful apology.

Pray for God’s Spirit to transform you to be more like him.

Elizabeth Rhyno is wife to Scott, mom to three adult children, and a worship pastor and entrepreneur. She enjoys coaching women and creating opportunities to invest in their growth and development.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.