Manny’s Wake-Up Call: How Philippians 2:3–4 Showed Him the Power of Humility and Putting Others First

Frank Wible
Oct 12
2 min read

Manny had a reputation for being confident and successful. He ran his business with precision and didn’t settle for average. People respected him, but most also knew he liked to be in control.

He told himself that confidence was a strength, but if he was honest, it often crossed the line into pride. He liked being the man others looked up to. He liked being right.

Manny built his world on success and control until Scripture reminded him that pride keeps a man from peace.

His wife once told him gently, “You don’t have to win every argument.” Manny smiled and shrugged it off, but deep down, he knew she was right. He had made life about being the best instead of being a blessing.

That started to change one evening at a men’s Bible study. The group read Philippians 2:3–4. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

The words hit Manny hard. He realized how much of his energy went into being noticed and respected. He helped people, but often so they would see him as generous. His motives weren’t wrong in action, but they were wrong in heart.

That night, he prayed for the first time in months, “Lord, teach me how to care more about others than myself.”

The answer came slowly. Over the next few weeks, opportunities appeared everywhere. A friend called needing help moving. Normally, Manny would have said he was busy. This time, he went. A neighbor asked for advice about a struggling business, and instead of charging a fee, Manny gave his time freely.

Every act of service began to change him. Manny learned that putting others first brings a peace success never could.

Each small act changed something inside him. Serving quietly felt better than being praised.

His biggest test came at work. A younger employee made a mistake that cost the company money. The old Manny would have raised his voice and made a scene. But this time, he pulled the man aside and said, “I’ve made worse mistakes. Let’s fix it together.”

That moment changed their relationship. The young man later told Manny, “You’re the kind of boss I want to be.”

Manny smiled, realizing that humility earns more respect than pride ever could.

At home, he started listening more and talking less. He found joy in seeing his wife and kids succeed instead of needing to prove himself all the time.

He began living out Philippians 2:3–4 in quiet, simple ways—checking on a friend, writing a note of encouragement, giving credit to others when things went well.

Over time, he realized something powerful. Putting others first didn’t make him smaller. It made him more like Christ.

Now when people ask what changed, Manny says, “I learned that humility isn’t weakness. It’s strength under control. Life is better when you stop trying to impress and start trying to serve.”

His story is a reminder that true greatness doesn’t come from being admired but from being available. God blesses the man who chooses humility over pride and people over ego.

What part of humility is hardest for you?