In our world today, it seems that every person is seeking to achieve greatness. We want to be seen as significant. We want others to look at us and see greatness. While the world values greatness, Scripture calls for something different. Scripture teaches us that God values humility over making a name for ourselves. As a result, God calls us to live a lifestyle of humility.
The apostle Paul calls followers of Christ in Philippians 2 to live humbly instead of trying to achieve greatness, following the example that Christ set while He lived on this Earth. He wrote in this passage of Scripture, "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves” (verse 3). Instead of striving for greatness and impressing those around us, we are called to live humbly. Specifically, we are called to consider those around us as greater than ourselves. Several verses later, Paul explained that Jesus set the ultimate example of choosing humility rather than seeking greatness. He wrote, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had… 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" (verses 5-8). Jesus, although God, humbled Himself by coming to Earth, taking on human form, and ultimately dying on the cross for the world. He did not demand to be served or worshiped as the King of all kings, although He deserved to be worshiped and served. Instead, Jesus chose humility. He humbly served the people around Him.
If Jesus, the King of all kings, chose humility, we, too, must choose humility. We must let go of pride and seek to serve others rather than make a name for ourselves. Will you choose to follow Christ's example and choose humility? Commit to serving and loving the people around you, making the name of Christ known in everything you say and do.
Take a moment to evaluate your own life. Is there any evidence of pride in your life? Ask God to reveal any areas of pride that may be present in your life. As He reveals pride in your life, confess that to God. Commit to letting go of that pride and living humbly instead. Ask Him to help you as you seek to do this.
1Is 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.
