In the journey of life, it’s easy to become enamored with ourselves — our strengths, our accomplishments, our desires. We live in a world that often encourages self-focus, self-promotion, and self-indulgence. However, as Christians, we are called to a different standard. We are called to humility, selflessness, and a realistic view of ourselves in light of God’s truth.

Romans 12:3 (NKJV) warns us: “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”

God calls us to humility and a sober assessment of ourselves. When we think more highly of ourselves than we should, we often overlook our faults and shortcomings. This can lead to pride, which scripture warns against repeatedly (Proverbs 16:18). Pride is often the root of many sins, causing us to elevate ourselves above others and even above God.

The story of Lucifer’s fall is a poignant reminder of the dangers of pride. Isaiah 14:12-15 (NKJV) describes Lucifer’s downfall due to his prideful desire to ascend above God: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.”fallen

Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV) instructs us to put others before ourselves: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Selflessness is at the heart of Christian living. Jesus Himself modeled this when He humbly served others and ultimately sacrificed Himself for our sake (Mark 10:45). Putting others before ourselves requires intentional effort and a mindset shift away from self-centeredness.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) exemplifies putting others before ourselves. The Samaritan, unlike the priest and the Levite, stopped to help the injured man, showing compassion and selflessness. Jesus concluded the parable by instructing us to “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37, NKJV), calling us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

James 1:22-25 (NKJV) urges us to tell ourselves the truth about our faults and flaws: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

Self-deception is a danger we must guard against. The Word of God serves as a mirror, revealing our true selves and calling us to repentance and transformation. Acknowledging our faults and flaws honestly allows God to work in us and through us. When we refuse to confront our imperfections, we hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV) encourages us to strive to be like Christ: “that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

Our goal as Christians is to be transformed into the image of Christ. This transformation involves putting off our old self-centered ways and adopting the character of Christ — humility, love, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus’ life provides the ultimate example of how we should live. He humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant, and was obedient to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8).

Here are a few things you can do to take steps toward change:

1. Prayer and Dependence on God: Just as Jesus prayed in His distress (Luke 22:42), we should bring our broken hearts to God in prayer, seeking His comfort and guidance. Regular prayer helps us stay connected to God and aligns our will with His.

2. Forgiveness and Love: Jesus taught us to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15) and to love even our enemies (Luke 6:27-28). Forgiveness releases us from bitterness and allows healing to begin. It also reflects God’s grace and mercy in our lives.

3. Faith and Trust: Trusting in God’s plan and His promises (Proverbs 3:5-6) helps us find hope and peace amidst heartache. When we trust in God, we acknowledge that He is sovereign and has a purpose for our lives, even in difficult times.

4. Self-Examination and Repentance: Psalm 139:23-24 (NKJV) says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Regular self-examination and repentance are crucial for spiritual growth. We must be willing to confront our sins and turn away from them.

5. Community and Accountability: Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) encourages us, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Being part of a Christian community provides support, encouragement, and accountability.

6. Serving Others: Matthew 20:26-28 (NKJV) says, “But whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Serving others helps us develop humility and shifts our focus from ourselves to the needs of others.

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) assures us that we can be encouraged and have hope that we can change: “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

God is faithful to complete the work He has started in us. As we yield to His Spirit and allow Him to mold us, we can trust that He will bring about the changes needed to conform us to the image of Christ. Change is a process, and it often takes time. We must be patient with ourselves and rely on God’s grace.

BE THE BEST YOU GOD HAS PLANNED FOR YOU TO BE

God has a purpose and a plan for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11). Embracing humility, selflessness, and truthfulness about ourselves positions us to fulfill that plan. Let us strive daily to be more like Christ, allowing His love and grace to transform us from the inside out. Take each step in faith, knowing that God is with us, guiding us, and empowering us to be the best version of ourselves — the version He created us to be.

In our journey toward becoming more like Christ, let’s remember that we are not alone. God is with us, and He has provided us with His Word, His Spirit, and His people to help us along the way. As we take baby steps toward change, let’s not give up. Let’s be diligent in prayer, consistent in reading the Bible, and faithful in fellowship with other believers. By doing so, we can become the best versions of ourselves, fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives and bringing glory to His name.od’s purpose for our lives and bringing glory to His name.