“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.” ~ Philippians 2:5&6

 

REFERENCE

Philippians 2:5-11

 

I do not know who else epitomizes humility like Jesus Christ did; hence, He is the pattern and model for all who seek humility. Humility is a beautiful virtue. We find it attractive and are put off by arrogant and self-absorbed people. Humility has a sweet aroma and is often a magnet for favor and great honor. Let us study the humility of Christ.

Jesus is eternally God and shares divinity with the Godhead. Yet, He chose to become a man and came to earth to redeem fallen man. “He did not consider it robbery to be equal with God” means “If Jesus had come as God or claimed to be God, He would not have been guilty of taking what did not belong to Him or identity theft.” He did not insist on appearing in His preexistent glory but laid aside the majesty of His divine appearance while He was on the earth and did not think He lost anything by doing that.

Jesus did not cling to the rights or privileges of deity, insisting on coming to the earth with a halo (crown of light) over His head or a dazzle of light all over His body. Theologian, J.B. Lightfoot said that Jesus did not see divinity as “a prize which must not slip from His grasp, a treasure to be clutched and retained at all hazards.” He was even born to a carpenter.

We often all strive for recognition and accolades. We throw our names, titles, achievements, etc., around and often use them to make others feel small. We are quick to tell someone, “Do you know who I am?” We like to drop names to show how connected we are to dignitaries. We take offense if we are addressed without the proper titles before our names. We measure people (deciding how we should treat them) by how close to or higher than us in honor they are. We love the high table at events and size people up by how many ‘followers’ they have on social media. All these are of no importance before God because when all is said and done, and we are stripped of all our ‘medals,’ we will realize that we are weak and mortal like other men.

Thomas Carlyle said, “A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats little men.” Be like Christ and be ready to go low or go down. Jesus in His greatness came down, but we in our littleness, are all struggling to rise, impress someone, or oppress another, always trying to ‘prove a point.’ This week, treat someone below you kindly – watch your tone when you talk to your chef, cleaner, driver, home assistant, or secretary. Let someone below you in rank go before you in privilege; yes, step back and let them have the honor that is due to you.

PHOTO QUOTE

CHRIST

ADDITIONAL TEXTS:

John 10:30, Matthew 20:25-28, and James 4:6

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PRAYERS:

+ Lord, I pray that You search my heart and root out every form of pride hiding therein.

+ Forgive me for the times I have shown arrogance and pride, making someone feel little.

+ Let the Holy Spirit produce the humility of Christ in me, as an abiding fruit, in Jesus’ name.

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