In today’s episode of the weekday podcast, Pastor Chuck Allen dives deep into a theme that feels almost counter-cultural in our modern world—humility. Using the metaphor of a garden, he beautifully illustrates how cultivating humility in our hearts can transform not only ourselves but the world around us. As he reflects on Paul’s words from Philippians, Pastor Chuck invites us to think about how service to others helps us grow more like Jesus. In a time when self-promotion and personal branding dominate, this episode reminds us that true greatness comes not from lifting ourselves up, but from lifting others.
Hi, everybody. Pastor Chuck Allen here with another weekday podcast. And today I want to talk about gardening, the garden of humility. Listen to what Paul writes in Philippians, chapter two. He says, don't be selfish. Don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Friend, listen, I want to paint this picture for you. Imagine a garden. It's lush, it's vibrant. It's filled with the most beautiful flowers you've ever seen. Now, what if I told you that this garden is actually growing in your heart and the name of the garden is humility? You see, serving others is kind of like tending this garden of humility in our hearts. As we kneel to help others, as we get our hands dirty in the soil of service, we find ourselves growing more like Jesus. It's not about our logos. It's not about our egos. It's not about our pride. It's about reflecting the character of Jesus in a world desperate for his light and his way. Now, I know what you're thinking, Chuck. Humility. Seriously, in this day of age, have you seen the world lately, Chuck? I mean, I hear you, but we live in a time where self promotion is the norm. Social media, everybody's building their personal brand, and the whole world wants to be an influencer. I mean, influencer, Chuck. It's an actual career choice. It can feel like humility is as outdated as a flip phone. I get it. But here's the truth, guys. In God's economy, humility is the hottest commodity. It's the secret ingredient to true greatness. You don't believe me? Look at Jesus, the king of kings, who could have demanded service from everyone, instead chose to wash his disciples feet. The creator of the universe, who could have lived in a palace, was born in a stable. That's the model that we are called to follow, to be more like Jesus. When we serve, we trade our self centeredness for other centeredness. When we are centered on Christ, we are centered on others. We learn to listen, to empathize, to see the world through different eyes. And in doing so, we become more of who God created us to be. Just think about it. When was the last time you were truly impressed by somebody's boasting. Now, when was the last time you were moved by someone's act of kindness? Maybe as quiet as something really simple? Which one stirred your heart more and which one made you want to be a better person? The person out there bragging about where they are or what they've done or someone's quiet act of graciousness and kindness? Humility isn't about thinking less of yourself, but it is about thinking of yourself less. As has been well said. It's about recognizing that every single person you meet is made in God's image, worthy of love and respect. It's about understanding that your gifts and your talents aren't for your glory, but for serving others and glorifying the Lord Jesus. Now, please don't hear me say, I've got this figured out, or hear me say that it's easy. My ego and yours can be as stubborn as a mule on a hot day, but that's where service comes in. Every time we choose to serve other people, we're pulling out a weed of pride and planting a seed of humility. Every time we put someone else's needs before our own, we're watering that garden in our hearts. And here's the beautiful part about the garden. As we cultivate humility through service, we find our world expanding. We build deeper connections with others. We find more joy in life. We become more like Jesus. And isn't that truly the goal? So, friend, listen. Today I want to challenge you. Look for opportunities to serve. They're all around you. And if. If you have eyes to see, you'll notice them. Maybe it's letting someone go ahead of you in line, something that simple. Perhaps it's taking on a task at work that nobody else wants to do. Maybe it's volunteering with meals on wheels or maybe with preschool or maybe with single moms. Or maybe it's helping home repair ministries put on siding on a senior adult's home. Whatever it is, approach it with a humble heart. Remember, you're not serving to be seen or praised. You're serving because that's what Jesus did, and you want to be more like him. Let's face it, whether you believe in Jesus or not, the whole world would agree with us that the world would be a better place if the world acted more like Jesus. To act more like Jesus, you got to know Jesus, and you got to be with Jesus. You see as you do that, you will see your perspectives change. Notice how your relationships deepen. You'll feel the joy that comes from putting others first. And see how, paradoxically, as you humble yourself, God will lift you up in ways you never imagined. It's so backward, and yet it's the way of God. So let's cultivate these gardens of humility in our hearts. Let's serve others with joy and love, and in doing so, let's change our world one humble act at a time. Remember, humility isn't thinking less for yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. Serve others and watch your world expand. Thanks so much for joining me on today's weekday podcast.
