Today’s YouVersion verse of the day spoke to my heart again. It’s Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” I feel like I need to say a little more about my devotion yesterday, so if you haven’t read that one yet, you may want to do that first.

We are all a work in progress, pastors, too. All of us… human, sinners, imperfect people. I have always been fairly open about my testimony. As I walk deeper into the process of sanctification, God continues to peel back layers of my life, revealing areas that need healing, restoration, and surrender. One of those layers was the grip that alcohol had on me. I did not mean that to sound as if all alcohol consumption is bad. However, I also have people I love and care about that are living with alcohol addiction and some that have died from it, so I know the gravity of the topic. This isn’t a statement of superiority or judgment, but simply a testimony of the redeeming power of Christ at work in my life.

In Philippians 2:3, Paul urges the church to let go of selfish ambition and empty pride, instead calling them to humility, to place others before themselves and ultimately, to place God at the center of everything. This Scripture reminds us that our lives are not to be lived for the applause of people, or to earn validation by how “good” we appear, but for the glory of the One who transforms us from the inside out. As a first-born child and a lifetime people-pleaser, this verse speaks to my heart.

My decision to step away from alcohol wasn’t about image management or moral achievement. It was about obedience. God called me to a higher standard, not so I could boast, but so I could be free. And in that freedom, God is enabling me to live more authentically, love more deeply, and serve with greater clarity.

I’m currently pursuing doctoral work that calls me to intentionally redeem every facet of my life, not compartmentalizing faith, but integrating it. Every thought, every habit, every decision is being brought under the lordship of Christ. And though it’s not easy, it’s deeply worth it… not for accolades or attention, but because I want every inch of my life to reflect His glory.

We need to not strive so hard to please people. Let’s aim to please God, in secret and in public, in our studies and in our struggles, in our testimonies and our transformations. God’s power is made perfect in our surrender, and He should get the glory for every victory.