Philippians 2:3-11 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature, God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
I read a definition of humility recently that resonated with me. Dr. Frank Crane defined humility as follows: "It is the wish to be great and the dread of being called great. It is the wish to help and the dread of thanks. It is the love of service and the distaste for rule. It is trying to be good and blushing when caught at it."
This definition spoke volumes to me and really helped me to truly grasp what Paul was talking about when he was encouraging the Philippians to imitate Christ’s humility. Humility is forgetting ourselves and looking to the interest of others, pushing them forward and upwards. It is being willing to take the backseat or willing to play second fiddle as the saying goes. It is measuring ourselves by our eagerness to decrease while Christ is increased. Jesus literally emptied out His self and made Himself low before his father. He gave up all the rights and privileges of one with the nature of God. He is our example to imitate.
Mother Theresa is well known for being a humble, giving human being. Here is her humility list that we would all be wise to consider:
1. Speak as little as possible about yourself
2. Keep busy with your own affairs not those of others
3. Avoid curiosity
4. Do not interfere in the affairs of others
5. Accept small irritations with good humor
6. Do not dwell on the faults of others
7. Accept censures even if unmerited
8. Give in to the will of others
9. Accept insults injuries
10. Accept contempt, being forgotten disregarded
11. Be courteous delicate even when provoked by someone
I will leave you with another quote to ruminate on. Wesley Deuwel said this, “Measure your humility by your hunger for Jesus to get ever more glory, by your burning desire that His name be exalted. Measure your humility by your instant shuddering at the very thought of people giving glory to you that rightfully and fully belongs to God.”
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Dear Lord,
Our very nature shouts selfishness! Forgive our selfish ways! Our ambitions to prosper and set ourselves above others is our greatest downfall. Forgive our hunger for superiority! Create in us the willingness to put others before ourselves, to be aware of those around us and serve at all costs. Help us to listen and get involved. You've blessed us to bless others so I ask that you give us eyes to see where you desire for us to go and enable us to join You in ministering to the needs of others. Open our hands, mobilize our feet, and burden our hearts for what is breaking yours.
In Jesus Name,
Amen