Hey you! Have you ever thought about what it truly means to be humble? Often, in our daily lives, humility might feel like an elusive virtue—it’s important, yet hard to pin down. Today, I want to journey with you through one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible that speaks about humility, offering us insights straight from the life of Jesus. We’ll dive into Philippians 2:5-11, a passage that reframes humility and challenges us to see it in the light of Christ’s incredible example.
The Mind of Christ
When we consider the idea of humility, there’s no better starting point than Jesus Himself. In Philippians, Paul encourages us to cultivate the same mindset as Christ Jesus. How remarkable is it that we, with all our flaws and human tendencies, can strive to think and act like Him?
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5
What does having the mind of Christ even look like? In simple terms, it’s about prioritizing others, serving without seeking recognition, and putting aside our own desires or status. It’s a call to embrace selflessness and service—qualities that are so often overshadowed in our fast-paced, achievement-focused society.
The Ultimate Example of Humility
Paul describes Jesus’ humility through an extraordinary narrative of descent. Imagine this: Jesus, the Son of God, willingly steps down from the majesty and glory of heaven to become completely human. More than that, He embraces the life of a servant.
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. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:6-8
Can you picture this level of humility? Jesus did not cling to His divine privileges but emptied Himself for us—a profound act of love and sacrifice. Humility here isn’t just about thinking less of oneself but choosing to serve others at great personal cost.
The Reward of Humility
What’s truly awe-inspiring about this passage is that Christ’s humility is met with profound exaltation. After walking the path of obedience and sacrifice, God lifts Jesus up.
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11
Isn’t it fascinating how humility and exaltation are intertwined here? It challenges the world’s understanding of power and success, suggesting that true greatness is found not in self-promotion but in self-giving love.
Living in the Light of Christ’s Humility
Reflecting on Christ’s journey of humility, we’re invited to rethink how we view our own lives. It encourages us to pursue humility, not as an act of diminishing ourselves—but as a powerful, transformative choice that mirrors Christ’s love and service.
May we take these reflections and let them shape our actions and attitudes. Let’s be inspired by the humility of Christ, always striving to honor Him in how we live and love.