“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
Have you ever been around someone who made you feel like you had to prove yourself? Maybe you felt the need to share your accomplishments, defend your abilities, or somehow earn their approval.
The enemy used the same tactic against Jesus in the wilderness. He challenged Jesus to prove who He was by turning stones into bread. But Jesus did not perform to satisfy the enemy’s voice. He did not need to prove His identity. He simply stood on the authority of the Word of God.
You should never have to perform to prove who God created you to be.
True identity does not come from the approval of people. It comes from knowing whose you are.
On the other hand, there are people who have the incredible ability to make you feel comfortable in your own skin while also inspiring you to grow. Their presence does not make you feel smaller—it makes you believe you can become more.
Those people are a gift, and I want to be that kind of person.
A Down-to-Earth Influence
Years ago, Sister Oakes, who served as the UPCI Ladies Ministry President, invited me to lunch with approximately twenty District Ladies Presidents.
At that time, I was fresh out of Bible College, had only been in the church a few years, and was just beginning to step into ministry. Around that table were women of great wisdom and experience, and honestly, I felt like I didn’t belong.
I sat there quietly, sipping my water and fighting back tears as the thought repeated in my mind: “I don’t belong here.”
But Sister Oakes saw something in me that I could not see in myself. She reached over, took my hand, and said, “I’m so proud of you.”
Then she began sharing with the women at the table what God was doing in my life and ministry. She made me feel valued and seen. She made room for me.
Looking back, I realize she did not have to do that. She was a respected leader with a demanding schedule and a significant position, yet she chose humility. She could have walked into that room with the attitude of someone important. Instead, she walked in with the heart of a servant.
Although Sister Oakes has gone on to her eternal reward, the impact of her humility continues through the lives she touched. Her legacy was not simply the position she held—it was the way she made people feel loved, valued, and welcomed.
Putting Lessons Learned Into Practice
Today, I have a choice. I can present a life that looks perfect and unattainable, or I can be honest about my struggles, God’s faithfulness, my failures, and His victories. I never want my life to communicate that walking with God is only for a select few.
There is room at the table for everyone.
God forbid that someone would encounter me and feel further away from the love of God because of my attitude.
When I walk into a room, I don’t want my heart to say: “Here I am.” I want my heart to say: “There you are.”
My prayer is that every person I encounter would feel seen, valued, and reminded of their worth in the Kingdom of God. Because kingdom greatness is not found in being recognized, it is found in recognizing others.
Today, ask yourself: Who around me needs to feel seen? Who needs encouragement? Who needs someone to remind them that they belong?
You may never know the impact of a simple word, a listening ear, or a moment of humility, but heaven keeps record of every act of love.
