Who is one of the most humble people you know? Maybe you had a parent or grandparent who always looked for ways to serve others. Maybe you have a mentor who refuses to have a too-high opinion of themselves. Perhaps you have a friend who is always encouraging others and bragging about them while never seeking any attention or applause for themselves. While there are many incredible people who walk the face of the earth, no one lived more humbly or had a more humble mindset than Jesus. His humility serves as an example for all of us to follow.
Paul described the humility of Christ in one of the most beautiful passages of Scripture, Philippians 2. In this passage of Scripture, he wrote, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves” (verse 3). Then, he told readers, “you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (verse 5). Next, he listed the attributes that Christ displayed on earth. He wrote, “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 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” (verses 6-8). What an example of humility Jesus displayed! He laid down His rights and privileges in order to sacrifice His life for the sins of humanity on a cross. There is no greater example of humility than this.
Perhaps Paul wrote Ephesians 4 with Jesus’ humility in mind. In this passage of Scripture, Paul wrote, “Always be humble and gentle” (verse 2). Notice the word “always” in this passage of Scripture. According to Paul, there is no circumstance where pride is appropriate. In every circumstance, we are called to be humble. After all, if Christ chose to live in humility, we must choose humility as well.
Every day, we decide whether to choose humility or pride. Only one of those attitudes leads us on the path toward Christ. May each one of us be inspired by Jesus's example of humility while on this earth and live humbly, “thinking of others as better than [ourselves].”
Take a moment to pray. Ask God to bring any pride to the surface in your life that you may be unaware of. As He brings pride to light, confess that to Him and tell Him you are sorry for living pridefully. Ask Him to help you let go of all pride in your life and choose humility instead.
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 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,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
