Redefine Humility

In the apostle Paul’s day, humility was not a virtue worthy of respect. In fact, society around him honored the opposite. The culture was highly competitive and focused on self-exaltation. So anyone who had a low social status, who was weak or lowly, was considered “humble,” and it almost always had a negative connotation.

Our modern situation, in some ways, is not terribly different than Paul’s. It’s kind of wild—even with technological advancements and cultural developments, some things seem to stay the same. The powerful, strong, and rich are the ones who win. The poor, weak, and lowly are the ones who lose. So people assume, If you don’t want to lose, don’t be associated with losers. If you want to win, do whatever it takes to gain more human control, strength, and power.

Paul redefined humility as something to be desired, not despised, and so can we.

When we see humility from a God-first perspective, it will place us in the safe, secure, and strong hands of the Creator of the universe. However, if we view humility through a human-first perspective, it will lead us to rely on our own feeble and fragile strength.

Jesus set the ultimate example of humility, yet his life, death, and resurrection led to the ultimate victory. Which connotation of humility will you decide to believe in today?

Reflect: How does the world around me seem to denigrate the humble? What messages do I hear each day that try to compete with Jesus’ example of humility, service, and lowliness?

Pray: Dear God, show me the path to humility. When the world tries to tell me that pride is the way to power, remind me of how you glorified your humble, lowly, and sacrificial Son. Amen.