Making Space for Others at Work
Devotional week 42
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Philippians 2:3–4 (NIV)
In the workplace, it is easy to find cultures shaped by fierce internal competition. When the prevailing attitude is every person for themselves, the environment can become unhealthy and people begin to build walls to protect themselves, withholding information and competing for recognition to safeguard their own position. As leadership pastor and author Craig Groeschel explores in his podcast episode on Building a Culture of Trust, when distrust and competition prevail, our natural response is often to become defensive. Yet the Gospel calls us to break this pattern and build bridges, making space for others.
Perhaps you have experienced a situation at work, or even in your personal life, that led you to put up walls for protection, making you less open or less considerate of others. I suspect most of us have behaved this way at some point. This is why we need to return to Scripture, allowing it to challenge our attitudes and actions. In Philippians, we find clear guidance for how we are called to live: Christian leadership and service are not measured by how much space we occupy, but by our willingness to intentionally create room for others to grow, be heard and flourish.
In our daily working lives, making space for others takes practical forms. It might mean stepping back to let a colleague speak in a meeting, giving someone else credit for their contribution, or sharing knowledge and opportunities for growth without fearing that we might lose our own place. It is a daily expression of generosity that invites us to slow down, notice those who are struggling and adjust our priorities to help lighten another person's load.
Making space for others does not mean diminishing our own gifts or neglecting our responsibilities. Rather, it means using our position, influence and abilities to help others thrive. In doing so, we reflect the humility of Christ and demonstrate that our faith shapes not only what we believe, but also how we work and treat the people around us.
Challenge
This week, look for one practical opportunity to make space for someone else at work. You could let a colleague take the lead in a presentation, publicly acknowledge a team member's contribution to your manager, or set aside time to support someone who feels overwhelmed. Choose deliberately to give their interests the same consideration you would give your own.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that You did not seek Your own interests, but made room for me through Your grace and salvation. Forgive me for the times I have allowed selfish ambition, pride or the fear of losing my place to shape my actions at work. Give me a humble and generous heart. May I be known in my workplace for valuing, encouraging and helping others to flourish. Use my life and career as a means of serving Your Kingdom, reflecting Your love in every meeting, project and conversation. In Jesus' name, Amen.
References
Building a Culture of Trust | Live from the Global Leadership Summit:
LifeLeadership - Building a Culture of Trust | Live from the Global Leadership Summit
A Tent International Devotional