“Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].”
-Philippians 2:3 (AMP)
What is humility to you? How does it look? Really think about it.
You won’t arrive at the right answer if you don’t look at Jesus. The best example of humility is Jesus! Picture this: Jesus was there when the worlds were formed. He was before time. Jesus is God, and always was divine.
I’m just going to let the Bible say it.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8 NLT)
Hold up! Wait a minute! Is that saying that He put others before Himself? This time, don’t think too hard. The answer is Yes! You probably know what’s next, huh?
Yep. I’m gonna tell you to be just like Jesus! You better believe it! What divine robes do you have to lay down? What reputation do you have to give up? See, what Jesus put down to come to Earth for us was actually worth something. Comparatively speaking, whatever it is that we have to lay down can’t be worth much. With that in mind, it should be pretty easy to do. (Philippians 2:3)
Sounds crazy right? But that is one of the best things we can ever do! I mean, you get to constantly put others before your own needs. You don’t need to worry about your needs, because God gots yo’ back! He will supply your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19).
Humility is a healthy estimation of ourselves. It’s not thinking too highly of ourselves, nor is it thinking too little of ourselves. It’s trusting someone else, like an authority figure’s decision rather than your own “good idea”. The Lord has placed people in authority—like teachers, bosses, and parents—in your life for a reason. I know this might sound a little crazy, but they have something to give or to show you wether you realize it or not. We can’t be thinking we know better or have a better idea then that person. If we have that kind of mindset then we are telling God that He made a mistake when He put such people in our lives, and we’re saying that we know better then He does. Pride ain’t gonna be looking for help, but humility will welcome it!
[hr style=”2″ margin=”30px 0px 30px 0px”]everydayMISSION:
The best way to live everyday Jesus is to humble ourselves.
In the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for “God opposes the proud but favors [gives grace to] the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5 NLT)
We are to honor and humble ourselves to anyone that has authority over us. Wether it may not make sense or seems dumb at the time, believe that they have the best interest for you. You can practice this with your family and friends, as well. After all, Jesus thought more highly of you than He did of Himself. So you do the same: think more highly of others than you do of yourself.
[hr style=”2″ margin=”30px 0px 30px 0px”]everydayCONVERSATION:
“Lord, I humble myself before You and receive the help that You have for me. Today, I purpose to set aside myself, and take up others. Show me how You see them. Show me what they mean to You. Show me how to be humble before You, before the Holy Spirit, and to others in my day-to-day life with them. In Jesus’ name, amen.”