Be Humble Like Jesus

Humility is not optional. It is the poor in spirit who will inherit the Kingdom (Mt. 5:3). It is the humble who receive God's grace (James 4:6).

If you want to be humble, the best thing you can do is look to Jesus. In Philippians Paul encourages us to be humble (Phil 2:1-4). He then immediately points us to Jesus and the example He set (Phil 2:5-11).

Here are some key aspects of humility we can learn from Jesus:

• Don't focus on who you are, what you deserve or what rightfully belongs to you. Jesus is God, but He wasn't interested in using His power or postion to serve Himself.
• Make serving others your priority. This is what Jesus did by taking the form of a bond-servant. He gave up all His rights to serve others.
  
• Sacrifice yourself. Be willing to serve no matter how much it costs. Jesus was willing to die to serve you.

This is not optional. God expects us to be humble. He opposes us when we are not (James 4:6). Paul considers this a matter of obedience and part of working out our salvation (Phil 2:12-13). Don't miss the "so then" that connects Philippians 2:12-13 to what Paul has just written about Jesus' humble example.

Take heart. You can be humble. God is the one working in you the desire to be humble. And, He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion (Phil 1:6).

Before you close this window and move on to your next task ask yourself -- what is one way I can sacrificially serve someone this week? Now, put it on your calendar and do it!

In Christ
Pastor Mike

Resource: C.J. Mahaney, Humility: True Greatness