Choosing Humility
August 20, 2019
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. Philippians 2:3-8
One of the popular trends of our day is to perform “random acts of kindness.” People choose to pay for a person’s groceries in line, the order for the driver behind them in the Starbuck’s line, one morning taking out a neighbor’s loaded trash cans to the curb. It’s a sweet surprise, nice, but not what Jesus had in mind. Paul is challenging us to live a life that is characterized by servanthood as a way of life; constantly, consistently doing for others exactly what they need.
The “random acts of kindness” require no humility. We choose whom to serve, when to do it, and how much to do. A servant does not have those rights. A servant does whatever is needed, whatever is required without debate or reluctance. Being a servant is a humbling thing. To be done from the heart, it requires a willingness to self-identify as a servant; a personal choice.
Jesus exhibited how to do it:
- You see others as more significant than yourself.
- You have your eyes and heart open to the needs of others.
- Your servanthood is a proactive, personal choice.
- You don’t think of your rights, but of the call to serve.
- You obey God’s heart and desires, no matter the personal cost.
That’s a big order, one that requires the humility of choosing to be small in our own eyes. Jesus exhibited it in every way. He was the King of the Universe, the King of Eternity, yet when He came into town He didn’t ride in on a conquering white steed, the symbolic way of establishing and recognizing authority. He chose a little donkey, a humble work animal. He came demonstrating His obedience and service, which just a few days later required Him to give His life. That’s the model we are challenged to follow. It’s a choice.
- Humility is not a garment we can put on and take off. It is a characteristic that is lived out daily in the choices we make.
- Pray: Jesus, I know I need to follow Your example. Sometimes I want to, but honestly, sometimes I don’t. Considering others as more significant than me is a challenge because I have too much of “me” in my heart and thoughts. You “emptied Yourself” so You would have room for others, for humility, for obedience. I need to empty myself of an overload of me. Please show me how. I want to obey. Amen.