To Be Like Jesus: Humility

Scriptures: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11).

Me is a most exacting personage, requiring the best seat in the highest place for itself, and feeling grievously wounded if it’s claim is not recognized. (Hannah Whitall Smith)

How does one measure success or one’s self worth? Is it by the amount of money in a bank account, or by the personal possessions such as houses, vehicles, or land that have been amassed? Does fame determine one’s worth? It’s one thing to be proud of accomplishing a lifelong dream, such as becoming successful in life, and feeling proud of one’s self for having done so. It’s also not a bad thing to feel good about oneself, because of self acceptance of who God designed you to be. It’s called self-esteem, or having self-confidence in one’s own worth or God-given abilities; self-respect. However, when one has an excessively high self opinion, conceit, arrogance, vanity, or hubris, this feeling of pride is sinful pride. We were created with innate gifts, talents, and abilities. Our gifts and talents are God-given, and those gifts and talents should be given back to God. We should not be lifted up in pride, because of our gifts and talents, but we should give all glory and all praise to God, who giveth these abilities unto us. I Corinthians 4:7 says, “For who maketh thee differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” I believe some miss out on what God has for them, because of being full of pride and arrogance. The Bible explicitly teaches us, that if we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, He will exalt us in due time.

Living the God kind of life, means striving to be humble, or having a modest view of one’s own importance. It is a lack of false pride; not proud. When we look at the examples that were  left on record of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Jesus exhibited the epitome of humility! Jesus was totally God, while totally man. Yet, to redeem sinful man back unto Himself, Jesus made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant. Jesus, God incarnate, took on sinful flesh, that He might suffer and die vicariously, to save mankind from eternal damnation. He became the ultimate sacrifice, that we might have a right unto the tree of life, that we might live with Him throughout all eternity! Yes, our Lord and Savior humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. He did not do this for Himself, but He did it for you, and He did it for me! Jesus taught, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. As a born again believer, I want to be like Jesus! I want to possess and exhibit those traits that resemble Him. Just as children resemble their biological parents, I want to resemble my heavenly Father! Children walk like their parents, talk like their parents, and they exhibit many characteristics and traits that are the mirror image of their  parents. We are proud when we are told, we resemble our parents. How much more so, should we desire to resemble Jesus, our heavenly Father? During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He went about doing good, not to be seen of men, but that the Father might be glorified. When Jesus restored a blind man’s sight, He sent him away to his house, saying, “Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.” Matthew 6:1-2 teaches us to, “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” An excerpt of verse four says, “And thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly. Luke 18:9-14, tells of the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. “Jesus spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. He spoke of two men going into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee prayed, and he thanked God that he wasn’t like other men were, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like the publican. He spoke of his good deeds. While on the other hand, the publican would not even lift his eyes unto heaven, but  the Word says, he smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Luke 18:14 says, I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Jesus taught, that a humble person does not look down on others. “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Let us strive to be like Jesus. Let us strive to be humble when the Lord uses us. Give God all of the glory! He alone deserves the honor and the praise! Use your God-given talents to edify the body of Christ, and to glorify God! As servants of the Most High God, whether you have one talent, two talents, five talents or more, use them to the glory of God. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” How I long to be like Jesus! May the Lord bless you abundantly, today and every day!

 

Resources: Holman Bible dictionary
Easton Bible dictionary