NIV Spiritual Renewal Study Bible PlanSample

Being a Doorway, Not a Doormat

Service grows out of the soil of humility. Too often, however, humility has been misunderstood as a negative character trait. Biblical humility does not consist in thinking less of yourself, but rather in thinking more of God and of others. In other words, humility is not about putting ourselves down; humility involves glorifying God and affirming others.

Jesus Christ is the greatest example of humility. He left his place of honor in heaven in order to become God’s servant on earth. In the process, however, he didn’t tear himself down or deny his value. He lifted others up through his humility and showed them how valuable they were. Jonathan’s attitude toward David also provides a vivid example of humility (see 1 Samuel 23). Jonathan counted David better than himself without thinking less of himself in the process.

With these thoughts in mind, we can see that Biblical humility doesn’t call us to be a doormat. Humility calls us to be a doorway, through which others enter into the presence and the power of God. By focusing on building others up and helping them along the way, we show them the love of God, who desires the best for them.