The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Pride doesn’t always look like arrogance or boasting. Sometimes it shows up in quieter ways—talking more than listening, only investing in people who seem useful, or constantly saying there isn’t enough time for others. These subtle forms of pride can reveal that our attention is more focused on ourselves than on loving and serving the people around us.
Philippians 2:3-4 calls Christians to replace selfish ambition with humility by considering others and their interests. Following Jesus means examining not only what we do, but also why we do it. When we become more willing to listen, make time for others, and engage with people without expecting something in return, we begin to reflect the humility of Christ. Recognizing subtle pride isn’t about condemning ourselves—it’s about allowing God to reshape our priorities, relationships, and hearts.
Highlights
How pride can appear in subtle ways we may not immediately recognize
Why only engaging with people who are useful can reveal selfishness
What listening more and speaking less can teach us about humility
Why “I don’t have time” may actually reveal our priorities
How Philippians 2:3-4 challenges us to consider others more important than ourselves
Why honest self-examination is essential for recognizing pride in our lives
Practical ways to replace selfishness and conceit with humility, generosity, and genuine care for others
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Full Transcript Below:
Surprising Ways Pride Shows Itself
By Aaron D’Anthony Brown
Bible Reading:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4, CSB)
In his epistle to the church of Phillipi, Paul urges fellow believers to be “united in spirit” with one another (Philippians 2:2). He wanted everyone to be on the same page with what they believed and how they lived as Christ followers. He goes on to say that such a life is lived by esteeming others as more important than ourselves. Don’t look to what brings you the most glory; do what benefits others. We hear the same sentiment preached in church today, but how many of us live this out?
While our pastors talk about loving our neighbors, building the church up from within, and sharing the Gospel with nonbelievers, we don’t often seem to be on the same accord. Even if we do these things, our motivations are sometimes selfish. We should be prioritizing others, but really, we’re interested in ourselves.
I’ve heard believers say things like “I enjoy hearing myself talk,” or claim they don’t have time to hang out with other Christians. Then suddenly they’re dating someone, which requires a lot more time. Or perhaps the only time they show genuine interest in you is when you’re going through a hard time. Otherwise, you’re simply not important.
Naturally, we won’t be close to or have deep conversations with everyone. However, it’s important to consider whether day-to-day relationships, conversations, and actions reflect selfish conceit or humility.
Perhaps, we have such a hard time esteeming others as more important because in our minds, no one is more important than ourselves. Pride is often called one of the most deadly sins, maybe the most deadly. When we start thinking we know best, it becomes a gateway for other sins.
You might not think of yourself as prideful - I generally don’t - but if we’re being honest, we can all be a bit prideful sometimes. C.S Lewis said, “There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which everyone in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else, and of which hardly any people, except Christians, ever imagine that they are guilty themselves” (Mere Christianity). The sooner we acknowledge this truth, the sooner we can change our thinking and get ourselves on one accord.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Most people won’t need help identifying the major ways pride affects our lives, but who says pride can’t be subtle? Here are three ways we might not even realize:
Only engaging with people who are useful.
One mistake Christians make is only engaging with people at church who are useful. This means ignoring others until they join your team or become a friend of your friend, etc. Don’t we all have some measure of importance and worth given by God? Why not be open to speaking and engaging with people as the norm?
For those who don’t, when you finally decide to interact, you risk making the encounter uncomfortable, and more than that, disingenuous.
Talking as opposed to listening.
The Bible says to be slow to speak and quick to listen, but few live this out (James 1:19). God gave us two ears and one mouth. I’ve been told there should be a ratio for how we communicate: listen twice as much as you speak.
Not making time for others.
We’re probably all guilty of using the phrase, “I haven’t had the time,” but if we took time to consider what that statement means, we’d say something else instead. Everyone is given the same amount of time within a day. Twenty-four hours. However, we all use our time differently. The issue is not having enough time, but rather priority - what’s important and what’s not. Or at the very least, what is most important. We prioritize what we value most.
Therefore, we should stop telling people we don’t have time to do that favor, read that book, or do that thing. We simply haven't made the time yet. That’s the honest answer.
And the sooner we can be more honest, the sooner we can stop pride from stifling our callings.
Further Reading:
Proverbs 11:2
Proverbs 16:18
Proverbs 29:23
Jeremiah 9:23
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How often do you stop to thank God for the prayers He has already answered? It’s easy to focus on what we’re still waiting for while overlooking the blessings, relationships, opportunities, and circumstances we once desperately asked God to provide. Remembering answered prayers can renew our gratitude and help us recognize God’s goodness in everyday life.
Psalm 103 calls us to remember God’s benefits and not forget His goodness. Sometimes God answers prayers immediately, while other times His perfect timing looks different from what we expected. Childhood prayers for something as simple as a kitten or a puppy can become reminders of a faithful God who hears us and knows what is best. When we intentionally look back at what God has done, we can move from taking His blessings for granted to cultivating a heart of gratitude and trust.
Highlights
Why we can be quick to remember hardships while forgetting God’s goodness
How answered prayers can become easy to take for granted
What childhood prayers can teach us about trusting God’s timing
Why God’s answer may be “not yet” rather than “no”
How reflecting on past prayers can strengthen gratitude and faith
Practical questions for recognizing the answered prayers you are living right now
An encouragement to slow down, remember God’s blessings, and thank Him for His faithfulness
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Full Transcript Below:
What Childhood Prayers Teach Us about God’s Goodness
By Hannah Benson
Bible Reading:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:2-5 ESV).
How quick are we to remember the sins of others when they have wronged us, or to remember the darkest tragedies in our lives? Even if we long to forget the terrible things, they don’t often easily slip from our minds.
Why is it then that we are so quick to forget the goodness of God? Why is it more difficult for us to remember all the good things God has done in our lives? Do we keep count? Do we thank Him for the blessings we take for granted? Do we remember the prayers we so desperately prayed that we are now living?
Do we stop to thank the Lord for those, or do we take them for granted?
I often find myself guilty of this.
I can get so caught up in praying for the next thing that I forget to simply bask in the Lord’s presence and remember everything He has done. There is nothing wrong with praying for something. God loves to hear from us! But He also desires that we cultivate a heart brimming with gratitude, remembering the goodness He has graced our lives with.
When I was a little girl, no more than 7 or 8-years-old, there was a mother cat who’d wandered the neighborhood for a few days, and we’d had a suspicion she’d had kittens somewhere in our backyard. My dad went out to look for them because we weren’t going to leave little helpless kittens alone (if they even existed).
And oh, how I prayed they existed.
I got on my knees behind my mom’s rocking chair, folded my hands, and pleaded with God for a kitten.
It was such a small, yet sincere, request.
Of all the things in life we actually need (jobs, food on the table, clothes), I love the sincerity and simplicity of my prayer as a little girl. Without a care in the world, I asked Him for what I truly wanted.
Told Him how I longed for a kitten.
I believed and hoped my daddy would find kittens so we could both save them and keep one (or two if we were really lucky).
Yet when my dad returned inside the house, he had to break the news to this little girl’s hopeful heart that there were no kittens to be found.
I didn’t understand.
Why didn’t God answer my prayer with a yes when I’d prayed so hard?
I couldn’t see it then, but God knew it wasn’t time.
At the time, we lived in the suburbs. Only when we moved out to the country 2-3 years later did God see fit to bless us with two little kittens, one of whom is now a still very healthy 13-year-old cat.
I also recall when I was a young teenager and prayed so hard for a dog.
For years, our parents told us, “Maybe someday,” but to be honest, none of us knew if it would ever happen.
But in 2020, when the world was thrown into chaos and turmoil, God told our mom that someday was now, and He directed our steps to the perfect little puppy for our family.
Simple prayers.
Yet prayers that God answered in His perfect timing. To be honest, as I reflect on these answered prayers among others, I realize how much I take them for granted. Yes, I’m grateful, but am I as grateful as I should be?
How often do I stop to remember the prayers I prayed that I’m now living?
Not often enough.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
I would challenge you to look at your life right now and reflect: what answered prayers are you living right now?
Perhaps the job you have now, even if it feels stressful at times, is an answer to a prayer you prayed years earlier.
What about your spouse who frustrated you this week? Wasn’t there a time you prayed for a husband or wife from the Lord?
How many times do we take what we once prayed for granted?
Let us resolve, by the grace of God, to cultivate a heart filled with gratitude for all the Lord has done in our lives.
Pray with me: Lord, please forgive us for how quickly we forget Your goodness. Please open our eyes today to see the answered prayers we are living. Help us to slow down to bask in Your presence and thank You for all Your blessings. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
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When stress, worry, and constant responsibilities leave you feeling overwhelmed, finding peace can seem impossible. A fast-paced, achievement-driven life can keep your mind racing and make it difficult to slow down, be present, and remember where true peace comes from. Jesus offers a better way.
John 14:27 reminds us that the peace Jesus gives is different from what the world offers. We don’t have to live consumed by fear, productivity, or worry about what comes next. By intentionally pausing, becoming still, and turning our attention toward God, we create space to recognize His presence and trust His provision. Even a few quiet minutes each day can help us step away from the noise, surrender our concerns, and receive the peace Christ freely gives.
Highlights
Why slowing down can help us recognize God’s presence and peace
How a fast-paced, achievement-driven culture can fuel stress and worry
What Jesus means when He says, “my peace I give you” in John 14:27
Why worry can pull us toward self-dependency and away from trusting God
How Jesus’ teaching about the birds of the air challenges us to trust God’s provision
The spiritual value of being still, present, and attentive to God
Practical ways to make intentional pauses for peace part of your daily routine
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Full Transcript Below:
Pausing for Peace
By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
It was a lovely summer day when I had the opportunity to take a day trip to meet up with a coworker in a city several hours from where I live. I had numerous reasons to rush through the event in order to get back to my desk and make up for the loss of “productivity” that evening. However, something prompted me to slow down and take advantage of the day away.
After the lunch meeting with my colleague, she recommended a trail nearby that I might enjoy before I had to get back on the road. Nature is very much my “happy place” (especially if it includes forests or water), so when she pointed me in that direction, I went along readily. With each step down the cobblestone path, my soul breathed a little easier. Covered by a canopy of lush green trees, the atmosphere was almost magical. As my attention was focused on the beauty surrounding me, the weight of my worries seemed to slip away. I became more and more present in the moment rather than consumed with all the concerns of the past or the future. There really was nothing else to do but be… Be in the moment, be present, and be at peace.
In our fast-paced, achievement-driven, bigger-is-always-better modern culture, many of us are burdened by overwhelm. Our minds race just as fast (if not faster) than the breakneck speed of life around us. As such, it is so easy for fear and stress to engulf our hearts and minds, drawing us deeper into self-dependency and further away from the one true source of our peace.
Jesus reminds us in the scripture provided today that He has not only extended His peace to us, but that through Him we do not need to be afraid.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
In a very practical sense, Jesus also addresses our tendency towards worry in Matthew chapter six, when He illustrates how God provides for the needs of His creatures.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matt. 6:25-62 (NIV)
If the Lord is willing and able to so abundantly care for the birds of the air, is He not also able to care well for us? Of course He is… Why then do we have so much trouble believing in this provision? Because we do not allow ourselves to pause long enough to look up and look out at the blessings all around us. We keep our eyes on the prize and our hands to plow, never stopping long enough to realize there is a better way. The way is Jesus (John 14:6).
There is something so pure and so beautiful when we intentionally choose to stop… to be still. In the quietness of moments like the one I mentioned earlier, we recognize our Creator in the midst of His creation, we rediscover hope, we step into peace, and we surrender to Him who is able to provide all that we need in trust (Eph. 3:20-21).
No matter how busy your life seems, or how many outside voices clamor for your attention, may I encourage you today to simply stop? Even if it is just for a few minutes each day, I strongly recommend you prioritize pausing for peace. There really is respite for the worried and weary. You simply have to be still.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you struggle with worry or weariness? Do you feel like the demands of your job or other responsibilities don’t allow for seasons of rest and stillness? If so, how does today’s devotional offer you an alternative viewpoint?
If you are willing, decide on one practice you can employ every day to set aside intentional time to pause and be still. Whether it is the first thing in the morning, an alarm you set as a reminder on your phone, or maybe even an agreed-upon time that you and a friend decide to commit to, I challenge you to prioritize incorporating some sort of pause throughout your day to stop everything and simply be… Be present, be still, and receive from God the gift of peace.
Further Reading:
Isaiah 26:3-4
Psalm 29:11
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Favoritism in a family can leave lasting wounds, especially when a child feels overlooked, unwanted, or less valued than their siblings. Whether it happens through obvious comparisons or subtle differences in attention, playing favorites can damage relationships and shape how children see themselves for years to come. Scripture offers a clear warning: God does not show favoritism.
James 2:1 calls Christians to reject favoritism, reminding us that partiality has no place in a life devoted to Jesus. Parents can be tempted to favor one child because of personality, responsibility, or shared interests, but every child needs to know they are equally loved and valued. For those who have experienced the pain of favoritism, God’s love offers hope and a foundation for healing. And when we recognize that our own favoritism has hurt others, humility, apology, and a commitment to change can help begin the process of restoration.
Highlights
Why favoritism can create lasting emotional wounds within families
How playing favorites can affect both the favored child and overlooked siblings
What James 2:1 teaches Christians about showing partiality
Why God’s love provides hope for those who have felt overlooked or unwanted
How parents can work toward showing each child equal love and value
The importance of apologizing when favoritism has caused hurt
Practical questions for recognizing favoritism and taking steps toward reconciliation
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Full Transcript Below:
The Importance of Avoiding Favoritism
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism” (James 2:1).
Favoritism occurred in my family as my dad’s favorite was the oldest child, and my mom’s favorite was the middle child. As the youngest of three, I was never chosen as the favorite. Instead, I was seen as the “extra” child. As one can imagine, this has caused me to have long-lasting problems, such as a negative self-view and low self-esteem.
If you genuinely want to obey God, you must give up the practice of playing favorites. Favoritism only hurts your children and makes them second-guess themselves.
Studies have shown that the oldest child tends to be the favorite, often because they are more like their parents or take on more responsibilities than younger siblings. It is time to change these statistics; there needs to be equal love for each child. Within the family of God, there is no room for favoritism. The Apostle Paul tells us, “For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11).
Showing favoritism will hurt your other children, either directly or indirectly. Not to mention, it could make the favorite overconfident, selfish, and self-absorbed. There needs to be equality amongst children. If you continue to play favorites, it will push your children away from you.
This has been true for me, as there was nothing I could do to get my parents to like me. I have gone through multiple years of therapy to help work through this issue. I have also sought out help from God. Through the help of the Lord, I have discovered that I am loved by Him. The Bible tells us we are God’s children and that we are dearly loved by Him (1 John 3:1).
The journey has not been easy, but Jesus has helped me every step of the way. While it is true that I will always have this wound from my parents, I can move on to new beginnings in the Lord. It also helps me share my story with others to help prevent them from showing favoritism toward their own children.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
James 2:1 says, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” This comes from the half-brother of the Lord. In no way does favoritism bring about the righteous life that God wants for us. It will only bring pain to our own lives and to the lives of others.
Reach out to those you may have hurt with favoritism and tell them you want to talk. Apologize to them and ask if there is anything you can do to make things right. Acknowledge that you cannot change the past, but help them to know that you will no longer practice favoritism in the future. An apology and a promise to change for the future can go a long way toward healing someone's heart, whether they are in their childhood, teenage, or adult years.
Let’s pray: Dear Jesus, I want to let go of the toxic trait of showing favoritism. I don't want to play favorites anymore, as I see all the pain it causes. Please help me to love everyone equally. Forgive me for my sin, and please help those I have hurt to forgive me. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
When you are tempted to show favoritism, what can you do? Is there a person you need to reach out to today to apologize to and make things right with? If so, when will you reach out to them this week?
Further Reading:
Genesis 37:4
Deuteronomy 10:17
Acts 10:34
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In a culture obsessed with staying young, aging can feel like something to hide or fight. But what does the Bible say about growing older? Scripture offers a different perspective, showing that aging can bring wisdom, spiritual maturity, and opportunities to invest in the next generation.
Proverbs 16:31 calls gray hair a “crown of glory,” reminding Christians that growing older is not something to fear or be ashamed of. For Christian women especially, Titus 2 offers a meaningful calling: older women are to share their wisdom and faith with younger generations. Instead of letting culture define the value of aging, we can embrace each season of life as an opportunity to grow in godliness, make disciples, encourage others, and point our families toward Christ.
Highlights
How the Bible offers a different perspective on aging than today’s anti-aging culture
Why Proverbs 16:31 describes gray hair as a crown of glory
Learning to recognize the spiritual value of growing older in Christ
What Titus 2 teaches about older women mentoring and encouraging younger women
Why Christian women should embrace opportunities to share wisdom across generations
How aging can become an opportunity to make disciples and invest in others
Encouragement to renew our minds with God’s Word rather than allowing culture to define our view of aging
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Full Transcript Below:
Finding the Beauty of Aging in an Anti-Aging World
By: Emily Rose Massey
Bible Reading:
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31, ESV).
Botox and injectables, facelifts, tummy tucks, retinol creams, under-eye concealer and color correctors, collagen and peptide powders, weight-loss products, teeth whitening, and veneer treatment advertisements bombard us continually through television, magazines, and social media influencers. There is no getting around it; we live in an anti-aging world. This was the topic of a recent women’s leadership training at my church, as we discussed the importance of Christian women embracing the high calling of Titus 2 (older women training the younger women). Do we try to run from the title of “older woman,” or are we enthusiastically embracing it because we know how much the Bible esteems growing older in the Lord?
The book of Proverbs is full of so much wisdom and highlights the beauty of aging in chapter 16:
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31, ESV).
The Bible does not tell us to cover up those gray hairs; it says that it is a crown of honor. We must embrace growing older because, as Christ followers, our gray hair should be a sign of a lifelong journey with Jesus! Now, I am not trying to create a law where there is none; there is Christian liberty when it comes to matters such as this. I dye my roots when I see gray hair poking through, but maybe I should pause and ask myself: How do I truly see aging?
Intersecting Faith & Life:
I enjoy makeup and basic skincare, but I do believe it is important to ask the Lord to search our hearts so that we do not find ourselves running away from ‘father time.’ As Christians, we must see aging rightly, which should be positive, not negative. How has the world’s view of aging influenced the church? If we are not on our guard, we can be swayed by the world’s thinking. That is why it is so important to renew our minds with God’s word daily (Romans 12:1-2).
I often wonder if the Christian generations before me have become entangled by the culture’s lies instead of standing firm against them. In my own personal experience, I have prayed for many years for an older woman in the faith to come alongside me. Oh, how I long for the wisdom of a woman who has been walking with Jesus for decades longer than I have! Sadly, there seems to be a generational gap missing from my own church, which is very Biblically sound. Instead of being tempted to complain about this lack, I am reminded that I must go to God in prayer, especially when it seems so out of reach for me to find a mentor who can come alongside me and teach me to love my husband and children and love Jesus and His word even more. But much more than that, I do not want to ignore my own call to make disciples.
The world may recoil from the word “older,” but the Bible is clear that age reveals great wisdom and insight. I may not feel like an older woman in the faith, but age should never limit me from the Great Commission (Matthew 28). Instead of waiting for someone to pour into me, I must look for those whom I can pour into and encourage in the Lord. I should proudly embrace the title of “older woman” at just 40 years old because it truly is a high calling to train the younger generation in the Lord.
The call for women in Titus 2 is important within the church and desperately needed by our society. We need godly women (and men, too) who are strong in the faith to raise strong, godly children with strong, godly marriages. Imagine how much impact we would have in the culture if we embraced the good found in aging and taught our children the amazing plan the Lord has for us to grow in godliness, wisdom, and righteousness as we live in the here and now, with eyes and hearts also fixed on eternity with the Lord. Families like this could change the world for Christ! Lord, help us to see the beauty in growing older in age and in You!
Further Reading:
Titus 2
Romans 12
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