March 22
Putting Others
Above Yourself
"Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves."
Philippians 2:3 (NIrV)
Callum had always been ambitious, and his job at a bustling tech company was the perfect place to showcase his talents. But as he climbed the corporate ladder, he realized that playing fair didn’t always get results as quickly as he wanted. One day, a coveted promotion to a management position opened up. Callum knew several qualified colleagues were vying for the role, but he was determined to get it—at any cost.
He began spreading subtle, damaging rumors about others, painting them as unreliable or difficult to work with. In meetings, he took credit for team efforts and downplayed his mistakes, shifting blame onto others when necessary. His strategy worked; Callum was chosen for the position. While his colleagues congratulated him through forced smiles, Callum brushed off their discontent. "This is how the world works," he told himself. "Survival of the fittest."
At first, Callum basked in his success. But over time, his triumph began to feel hollow. His team avoided him, speaking in hushed tones when he was around. He overheard whispers about his dishonesty, and guilt began to gnaw at him. One evening, while scrolling through his emails at home, he came across a message from his colleague Sarah. It was a simple note of congratulations, but it ended with: "I hope you’ll use this opportunity to lead with integrity and humility. We’re counting on you."
The words hit Callum like a lightning bolt. Integrity? Humility? He had built his promotion on lies and manipulation. That night, he couldn’t sleep. He found himself pacing in his living room, wrestling with his choices. At one point, he dropped into his chair, closed his eyes, and prayed for the first time in years.
“God, I don’t even know if You’re listening, but I’ve made a mess of things. I’ve hurt people to get where I am, and now I don’t know how to fix it. Please show me what to do. Help me to be better.”
Over the next few days, Callum began to change. He called a team meeting and confessed his wrongdoings, apologizing to those he had undermined. It wasn’t easy; some colleagues were skeptical of his sincerity, but others admired his courage. He made it a point to support his team and actively sought ways to build them up instead of tearing them down.
As Callum embraced humility and honesty, he realized the truth of Philippians 2:3: true leadership isn’t about stepping over others but lifting them up. While his climb to the top had been steep and lonely, his new approach brought a sense of peace and purpose he had never known.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding us through Your Word that humility is the path to true greatness.
Please help us to put others above ourselves and lead with integrity in all that we do.
Teach us to value honesty and kindness, even when it feels challenging.
Transform our hearts to reflect Your love and to seek the good of those around us.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
