PHILIPPIANS 2:3-11
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
REFLECTION
“I am the humblest person I know!” This is making fun of the assumed fact that you can’t boast about your humility, and still be humble. However, can you resonate with it? You have a lot to be prideful about right… and you’re not too cocky… not like those other people… right? Maybe you are president of your house or other organizations on campus; or you have a killer GPA while maintaining a great social life; or your can’t help but become the life of the crowd because of your quick wit and good natured sarcasm? Or maybe, you are just morally good… especially relative to others in your house! Whatever it is, you have reason to boast… but not too much since you are fairly humble person. Many Greeks, and people in general, struggle with the idea of humility. The above passage is suggests something radical. Jesus, though being God, lowered himself to serve people… to the point of death on the cross. He had every reason to boast, being the Creator of the world. He had every reason to remain on his “high horse”… after all, He lived the perfect life. However, he died for other people’s sins… and died a horrible death, death on a cross. And God, lifted Him up. In contrast to the view of today when “its all about you” is publicized all around us, God clearly desires a humble heart, one who lifts others up instead of themselves.
"Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less" -- C.S. Lewis
QUESTIONS AND PRAYER
1) Reflect today on the passage and on your need for Jesus. Where do you see pride in your heart? Talk to Jesus about it and repent of it.
2) How can you “die” to your own interests and serve others instead? Ask God for help as only Jesus can help you do that.
