The Way of Humility
“So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:1-11
Insight
We all feel tension as we wrestle with pride and humility. For the most part, I do a decent job of keeping my struggle hidden from the public eye but make no mistake, pride is there. The temptation of pride can appear in the smallest of areas. From time to time, I try to convince myself that I deserve recognition, praise, and acknowledgment.
These ugly places of my heart stand in opposition with my desire to follow Jesus. Following Him requires humility which can’t take root where pride resides.
Christ’s life serves as the perfect example of humility.
If there were ever a person who could flex their pride muscles, it was Jesus. He possessed all the authority, power, and ability of God. Yet, not once did Jesus display any sort of pride. Jesus chose humility every single time.
Jesus took humility to an entirely new level with His death. Through the cross, Jesus demonstrated that humility is not an activity to practice, it is a way of life. Jesus wanted us to see that humility is crucial if we want to reflect Him to the world around us.
The humility Jesus displayed is intimidating. It requires us to die to ourselves and to put to death the pride that resides in our hearts. Jesus completely emptied Himself, and asks us to do the same.
By displaying humility as Jesus did, people come to see Jesus through our words, attitudes, and actions. We do not naturally demonstrate humility, but as we grow closer to Jesus, we grow by caring for the needs of others. We have a special invitation to enter into the work of His Kingdom by putting the concerns of others above our own. We love others in the way He loves us (John 13:34).
Leaning into Jesus is the way we live humility out. The world knows what pride looks like, and if we are honest, we are all a bit fatigued from seeing how much pride exists around us. The solution to lessening the pride around us is by being humble for others to see.
Reflection
What can you do every day to empty yourself and live humbly?
Prayer
Father, thank you for displaying perfect humility and showing me how to love others. Though I wrestle with pride, I know that Your call is greater, and I know that You are greater. As I pursue You, may humility continue to take root within me. Let my life serve as a reflection of who You truly are. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Port City writer Davy Nance wrote today’s devotional.
