THE VERSE
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
~Philippians 2:3
THE THOUGHT
The practical essence of humility is to regard others as more significant than yourself. Humility is to treat others’ opinions, contributions, talents, time, and problems as all taking precedence over your own, and to view this as not a burden but a blessing. But as sinners, our attention is always warped inwards towards ourselves. How can we cultivate the humility of counting others more significant than ourselves?
The answer comes in the following verses: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing.” In order to cultivate humility, we must think Jesus’ thoughts after Him. We must dig into the gospel to understand the depths of Christ’s sacrifice. Ponder the amazing reaches of His love that would cause Him to lay down all His divine rights and glory and embrace the cruel humility of a bloody cross. The closer we get to this divine humility, the more it will rub off on our souls. The flower of humility grows best in the blood-stained soil of Calvary. Stay here, and watch humility begin to blossom in your life.
Evaluate yourself honestly on this, and perhaps ask for feedback from some people who are close to you: “Do I seem more concerned with my daily agenda, or the agenda of others?” “Do I consistently drop what I’m doing to help or pay attention to others?” “How do I respond when interrupted?” “What is more important to me when I am busy—my schedule, or serving others?” “Is my life marked by gratefulness towards God?” “Moment by moment, am I more focused on myself and my needs, or on others and their needs?” “How do I react when things don’t go my way?” “Does my life look like Ephesians 5: ‘Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us?’”
THE PRAYER
Jesus, The humility that You exhibited in becoming man and dying for me is staggering. Why would You empty Yourself of glory and honor to save a wretch like me? I am forgiven because of Your humility. Thank you, Jesus, for what You have done for me!
EXTENDED READING
Philippians 2:3-8
1 Peter 5:5-7
Ephesians 4:32-5:2
THE QUOTE
“If I may speak my own experience, I find that to keep my eye simply on Christ, as my peace and my life, is by far the hardest part of my calling.” ~John Newton
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Review/Catch-Up
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