Philippians 2:1-11
Although Paul wasn't familiar with the word "copycat," that's pretty much the charge he gives us in Philippians 2:1-11. Simply put, our directive and goal should be to model Christ in all areas, but specifically in humility. Given our human nature, being humble and responding in humility is a pretty big assignment, but definitely where we need to be at and worth every bit of effort.
When you think about being humble, what characteristics, attitudes and actions come to mind? What do you do (or have you done) to get and then maintain an attitude of humility? Tami W.
Humility before God comes when we recognize who we are compared to Him; where He is infinite, we are limited. Where He is omnipotent, we are powerless. Where He is loving, we are petty. Knowledge of who we are before God forces us to our knees. It's a little harder to be humble before our fellow man though. Paul tells us to count others as more significant than ourselves, put their needs above ours, because that's what Christ did when He came down from heaven. If being humble before our fellow man can sometimes be hard for us, consider how hard it was for God! Remembering the sacrifice He made for all who belong to Him, and knowing He still would have done it even if I was the only one, helps me to put Jesus first, others second, and myself last.
When I think I have found humility-I know I have just lost it! Caring for others more than yourself seems to be the clue. I like the hymn "Make me a blessing" . I am in the habit of singing it every morning. It reminds me that God wants to work through me to reach others with His love.
I like what Glenna said: Humility before God comes when we recognize who we are compared to Him. Compared to GOD my creator I am nothing. I am nothing like Jesus my LORD & Savior either: or Paul. They are who I wish to be like. They are who I try to immitate. But I fail miserably! Plus I liked what Trisha said also: When I think I have found humility-I know I have just lost it! For me it seems like I'm humbled whenever I open my mouth and especially when I don't acknowledge THEM (the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost) in my conversation. I have been praying for humility, it is what I want and have asked folks to pray that for me and also ask you all now to pray that for me. Thank you and may GOD bless you and yours! I love you because GOD has put that love for you in me and it's beautiful!!!
Thanks for all of the previous comments. They are all great reminders of how we, as Christians, should conduct ourselves in humility. I love how we see several examples in Scripture of how certain men were praised and worshipped (i.e. Peter in Acts 10), who then immediately deflected it to its proper recipient, God. It is in our human nature to desire the affections and praise of others. I think some of that is healthy in that we want to succeed at what we do, and be liked by others. However, it is so very easy to go too far and take credit for what Christ has done in and through us. Anything we accomplish on this side of heaven is only because God gave us the capacity to do so. For me, I have to remind myself of this fact every single day. That old flesh of mine has a knack for creeping up to try and steal some credit. May we always deflect any praise and credit that comes our way to the One who gives us our very breath.
For me the key verses are 3 and 4. As a younger man my focus seemed always to be on me and it took many years to learn that true love is putting others before myself. Two marriages and 3 "lost" kids made me realize how far I was from imaging Christ. Four years ago I became, at the Spirits leading, a Stephen Minister (a Christian Caregiver) and this experience has helped to me to put others before myself. I have been a slow learner and I thank God for his patience and mercy.
For the past few days I have been asking God to teach how to be humble and I believe God has done just that through this passage of scripture.To me being humble makes one more fit to be used by God.In John 15:5 God makes it clear that we can do nothing without Jesus, however, at times we forget this and take the credit for things we know that we cant possibly do on our own. To me humility is seeing yourself as incapable and helpless and therefore,dependent on Jesus for everything. Being nothing is what it all boils down to. As a worship leader I strive to be humble because I know how pride could affect my service to God. Pride distracts me from seeing God and glorifying him for the work he is doing through and in me. Humility is very essential in our lives as children of God because it allows us to be broken to the point where God will raise up and receive the glory that is due unto Him.
I liked v.10&11. Note particularly that: "every" knee, 'in' heaven, 'on' earth, and 'under' earth. Plus "every" tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD to the glory of the Father--Amen, hallelujah!!! Awesome! Just absolutely awesome! Via con Dios!
God bless you all for your comments. I have found that being humble is something other people say about you, which give you a chance to point your finger towards heaven for His Glory. I was reading His word and that day it hit me, "the Bible, the written breath of God", may you all keep it in your hearts.
Humility to me is what Jules says "seeing yourself as incapable and helpless and therefore dependent on Jesus for everything". This is so true because without Jesus I am nothing, without love I am nothing. Therefore I must keep in God's Word and never lose focus on our Redeemer.
May God grant us His grace, His mercy, His compassion and His forgiveness.
Our world and today's culture promotes "success" and getting to the top. Humility doesn't quite fit the world's idea of success. That's why as Christians we cannot be of this world. Having attitudes of service to Jesus and to others instead of attitudes of how I can promote self help us with our goal of being humble.
Thank you for all the comments. I thought I was humble, but I now see in the mirror of the Word that I am not. How can I keep all of my life’s worth (my time, wealth, etc.) to myself while giving peanuts to God and others and still count myself as humble? The passage teaches me that being lowly or humble is for my own personal good because without it I cannot be exalted by the Father. Pray that Christ will teach me and self-seekers like me lowliness.