Humility

“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 the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

Philippians 2:5-7

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Someone has said that pride is, in some way, at the root of all other sins, particularly our sins against others. I tend to agree with this, at least based on my own sinful tendencies.

How I long to put away pride once and for all, and “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” in my relationships with others!

My recent yearning for humility springs from thoughts of the coming Easter season. For there is no better example of humility than our Savior Himself, Jesus Christ.

In the above passage, we see that Jesus humbled Himself by making Himself nothing, and taking on the nature of a servant.

I don’t know about you, but it’s easy to take phrases like these at face value without really considering the implications. How did Jesus take on the nature of a servant? What about His life was servant-like?

A friend recently concluded from Jesus’ example that we ought to serve unexpectedly. You might consider it unexpected when the God of the universe leaves His heavenly throne for the comparative pigsty we call Earth. Much less when He washes dirty feet. Or touches social outcasts. Or selflessly meets people’s needs. Or when He doesn’t strike dead those accusing Him falsely…or at least defend Himself, for goodness’ sake!

Another aspect of Jesus’ humility was to serve intentionally. When Jesus removed His outer garments, gathered a towel and bowl of water, and began washing His disciples’ dirty feet (John 13:1-17), there was no doubt about His purpose: He was serving.

Even though the ones He was serving didn’t deserve to be served.

If God the Son…who was and is undeniably everything,

could make Himself nothing and take on the form of a servant…

how much more should you and I do the same?

Do you make yourself nothing in your relationships with others? Or do you, like I, struggle with an attitude of entitlement?

Do you exhibit the mindset of Christ by serving unexpectedly? If given the opportunity, would you meekly wash the filthy? And if you aren’t given the opportunity, would you make an opportunity and serve intentionally?

To quote our Lord Himself: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:17).

Written by Jennifer Clarke