Becoming Like JesusSample

Humility

Today, as we continue to explore our foundational passage, we are looking at humility.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility…” Colossians 3:12

As with all other godly character traits, the root of humility has to do with our heart-posture.

A humble heart-posture stems from a correct understanding of ourselves in relation to God and others. To God, we are humble when we recognize that God is holy and we are not; it’s acknowledging that there is nothing we can do, in and of ourselves, to have a relationship with Him and that we need a Savior. To others, we have a humble heart-posture when we recognize that every single person (ourselves included) is made in the image of God and that we are all sinners in need of grace. When we understand this, we see that we are no better than anyone else.

These understandings stand in opposition to pride. Where pride focuses on self, humility is defined as “lowliness of mind,” which means “lack of vanity or self-importance.” Generally, humility means not having our mindset on our self-importance. Humility does not diminish our value but keeps our focus off of ourselves. As Rick Warren stated, “true humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”

So how did Jesus demonstrate humility? Philippians 2 tells us:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something

to be used to his advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

Here we see Jesus’ demonstration of humility plainly expressed. The first thing we notice is that humility is a mindset. Jesus’ didn’t set his mind on using his identity and position to his advantage (selfish ambition). Instead, he was determined to live a life of service and obedience to God. Rather than focusing on himself, he was focused on God and others. He valued us above himself, not looking to his interests but our interests.

So how do we practically clothe ourselves with humility? Because humility is a heart posture, the first place to begin is to examine our motives. We must ask ourselves hard questions.

• What is my goal in saying/doing this?

• Am I thinking about myself or others?

• Is this a demonstration of obedience to God? Or am I acting out of my interests?

• Am I reflecting God’s heart and love for others?

Today – before you speak, act, or post on social media – think about your intention. I pray that, just like Jesus, we would act for the good of others.