LIVE WITH HUMILITY
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 2:5-8 (NLT)
We look up to success. Highly successful people are celebrated in our society. People want to be like the rich and famous, buying up books and fashions that these celebrities sell or wear. This happens both inside and outside the church. Unfortunately, humility can be hard to find.
Jesus is the model of humility for us. He humbled Himself so much that He gave up His place in heaven to come to earth as a man and sacrifice Himself for our sins. Do you seek money, fame, power or to be the best at everything? Wanting to be successful is not wrong in and of itself, but you must be humble in all that you do. Jesus talked about how the religious leaders of the day acted and warned against it, saying…
“Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”
Mark 12:38-40 (NLT)
How do you act when dealing with people? Are you fair and humble, or are you critical in the way you treat others? Remember the example of Jesus and how He did not hold onto His rights and privileges. He made Himself a humble servant.
APPLICATION: Take the time to elevate those around you. Look for the good in them and celebrate that. Champion others over yourself so that you become known as an encourager who wants others to grow and succeed.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice and Your example of a humble leader. As I seek to emulate You, help me remain humble. I ask You to be a part of every relationship I have and let my life be a living example of Your humility. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?