Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
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 2:3-8 NLT
A Lesson from History
In the early 17th century, ships brought thousands of people to the shores of New England and Virginia. Many were fleeing religious persecution. Some just wanted adventure or a fresh start. But there was a group who considered themselves, “gentlemen.” They generally were landowners, successful in business, or had been born into wealth.
They had better accommodations on the ships, may have brought servants or stewards with them, and had their needs met at the snap of a finger or ring of a bell.
When they arrived in the New World, they were in for a big surprise.
Wealth or social standing did not provide food, shelter, or clothing.
The ship’s supplies were often depleted by the time they arrived in The New World. Food and supplies were scarce as people with the skills to hunt, build, and sew. Yet somehow, many of these “gentlemen” expected those of lower social standing to provide or even give up their own provisions for them.
That’s when Captain John Smith famously stepped up with a biblical principle:
“He who does not work shall not eat.”
—2 Thessalonians 3:10
Some men humbled themselves and learned to hunt, cook, build, and yes—maybe even sew. Others, unwilling to stoop, caught the next ship home. But for those who stayed, survival required humility, hard work, and a changed perspective
Jesus Redefines Leadership
Jesus’s disciples had similar challenges. They wanted to be known as the ones who would be seated at the place of honor when they reached heaven. Jesus assured them, this was not a place they understood. To be great, they would suffer greatly. To lead, they would need to serve.
“But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.” Matthew 20:25-27
This was not the answer they expected or desired, but it was the truth. Jesus set an example of taking on the form of a humble servant when He wrapped a towel around His waist and began washing their stinky, mud caked, road weary feet. He tried to explain what He was doing – I don’t think they quite understood yet, but they would. And then told them to serve as He had served, and they would be blessed. John13:1-17
What Humility Is – and Isn’t
God equips each of us differently. Some may lead. Some serve by praying. Others clean and care for the physical needs of the church. But we ALL serve and must humbly accept the work He has created us to do.
For years, I misunderstood Romans 12:3.
“Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”
I thought this meant I was unworthy, had nothing to offer, and should just stay in my quiet corner until I was given a task.
Then, a wise sister in Christ encouraged me to consider the whole verse. And the truth became clear; I need to think honestly in my evaluation of myself, measuring myself only by God’s standards.
We often confuse humility with self-loathing. We cannot allow the world’s warped view of pride or humility define our posture in the body of Christ.
Instead, we must view ourselves through the lens of Scripture and the eyes of the One who made us. Yes, we are flawed and finite individuals, but we are His masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus…
Daily Humility
As long as human beings walk this earth, we will struggle with pride. Just like the 17th century settlers, we all must work. And Scripture reminds us how:
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23
False humility is really pride in disguise. And God hates a haughty spirit. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
As you think of true humility, meditate on the words of this song:
King of Humility – Justin Tweito
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Maker of the Universe, Thank you for taking on the form of a servant to save us from our pride filled, sinful lives. Help me to be more like You and humbly serve those you have put in my path. Please guide my heart attitude and life in a way that reflects Your image. In Your Precious Name, Amen
Reflection Questions
Are you called on to do tasks you would rather not do or tasks you think are below you?
How might your attitude change if you viewed the task as an act of worship to the King of Humility?
When you think of the Imago Dei (image of God) do you picture the God of the Universe washing the feet of sinners?
For Further Reading:
Openbible.com – 100 Bible Verses about Humility
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller
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