October 8, 2023
Topic: THE GRACE OF HUMILITY
Text: Philippians 2:1 -11
Memory Verse: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of
God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).
We continue on this issue of pride by looking at its antithesis, the opposite of pride – Humility. Humility is the deliberate and intentional decision to consider others (their opinions, wishes, persons, needs) above self. It means respecting and honoring others, irrespective of their status and deliberately subjecting yourself to them. Jesus showed humility by subjecting Himself to
His creation. He did not have to, but He chose to because it pleased the Father and was the only solution for the salvation of man from destruction.
Humility, like pride comes from the heart. Respect and honor for all men is evident in the way we treat others and how we expect them to treat us. It shows in what we are willing to do for others. Jesus, the Master washed the feet of His disciples, a task reserved for the lowest of servants. A humble person will not think any task is beneath him for the service of others. Jesus did not out of pride and ego try to prove who He was by calling on His Father’s angels to terminate His sufferings and punish His oppressors. His humility, obedience to God and His love for man kept Him going until He finished the task.
A humble person will not need to prove who he is (“you don’t know me?”. “I will show you who I am today”) because he is not defined by the recognition of man. After performing miracles, Jesus will often instruct the people to keep it to themselves. He had no interest in blowing His own trumpet. God gives grace to the humble to do what needs to be done to achieve His purposes, even those things that appear degrading or are not obvious to the public. When we submit and do them, it advances His Kingdom, pleases Him and provokes His reward.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for Your example in humility, submitting Yourself fully and going all the way to redeem me. Help me to obey You and love and honor all men like You did so that I may please God and fulfil purpose. Amen!