CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)
How humble are you? Trick question, right? If you say you're incredibly humble, then that's a prideful statement. But take stock for a moment and be honest with yourself. Are you a person that others would describe as humble? I think for most of us, we're gracious in the ordinary, small things of life. But when it comes to larger things, we tend to dig in our heels and prioritize our wants and ways over those of others.
Yet the call from Paul in the passage above is clear. Don’t be selfish. Be humble. Don’t be caught up only in what is important to you. Think of others ahead of yourself. In other words, live like Jesus. While some things in Scripture might be confusing or initially unclear, the verse above certainly doesn't fall into that category.
Have you ever thought about the attitude that Jesus had toward those around Him? The patience and humility He displayed with His disciples, who constantly failed to grasp what He was saying. The same men couldn’t be bothered to stay awake and pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. The same men who abandoned Him in His darkest hours. And yet He demonstrated unfailing graciousness towards them. Or consider the crowds who constantly pressed in upon Jesus, seeking healing, feeding, or some other miracle. While He knew that He needed to retreat to be with His Father sometimes, He was always gracious and humble in how He dealt with people.
APPLICATION: How can you choose humility today? What small sacrifice can you make to honor those in your life? We want to love God, which means loving people. And the way we do that is by living like Jesus. Choose humility today!
PRAYER: Lord, help me to be humble, just as Your Son Jesus was. Grant that I might live a life of graciousness, sacrifice and humility. Be magnified in my words and actions today. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?