Genuine Christianity: Humility

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.

(CSB)

A calling in Christ is not a selfish calling seeking fame, power, or financial riches but one of service to others through sharing the lifechanging benefits of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To achieve a heart of humility one must consider others and their interests above their own selfish ambitions.  To accomplish this, we must adopt the humble attitude Jesus demonstrated while ministering on earth. 

Jesus humility shows an attitude of,

1)      Self-abandonment (Philippians 2:6):  The idea of self-abandonment is foreign in a culture dominated by rugged individualism and individual rights.  However, the Biblical truth is that all people have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard (Romans 2:23).  Not only have all people sinned, but there is nothing one can do to earn a right standing with God for all our good works are filthy to the Lord (Isaiah 64:6).  However, a right standing is available due to the Grace of God demonstrated in the greatest act of self-abandonment in history, Jesus offering Himself as the spotless Lamb of God, covering all our sins (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:8). 

2)      Service (Philippians 2:7):  When tempted by Satan to worship him, Jesus reminded him that people are to worship the Lord and serve Him (Matthew 4:10).  Jesus knew that submission to Satan’s leadership was the source of humanity’s fall and for him to compromise his leadership to Satan would do nothing to reconcile humanity back to God.  However, the Lord also humbly came to serve humanity.  Jesus demonstrated this type of service by ministering to the sick and oppressed with its ultimate demonstration, death for humanity’s sins on the cross (Luke 7:22; Philippians 2:5-11). 

3)      Submission to God’s will (Philippians 2:8):  When we make plans, we do so lacking knowledge of the future and what may happen to derail our plans.  While we should still make plans, we must learn to submit our plans to God, checking to see if they align with the will of God.  Unfortunately, oppressive leaders using those choosing to submit to their leadership for their own personal gain corrupts the idea of submission.  Submission to God does nothing to cause personal gain for God because He already has all he needs (Psalm 50:10).  Instead, submission to God’s will is submission to our creator who loves us and a God who also knows the future.  God’s plans for us are always good and for our benefit (Jeremiah 29:11). 

The result of Jesus’ humility is God raising him to a position of authority (Philippians 2:9-11).  Unlike worldly leaders who rise to power with great authority and power, Jesus rise to authority is a humble manger and death by crucifixion followed by resurrection from the dead.  As we begin the new year, I urge those reading this that have not already done so, to join those who have already accepted the humble Messiah of the manger and cross by praying with me now,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Congratulations on beginning the new year with the decision to follow the example of humble leadership demonstrated by Jesus Christ.  I urge those that just prayed to begin a study of the Bible to find out more about the Lord of their lives, Jesus Christ.  I also urge you to find a church teaching from the Bible, so you can learn more and find friends who share your faith in Jesus as savior.  Once established in your new church and encouraged by new friends that share your beliefs, it is also important to share Jesus’ example of service by finding where you can serve. 

Humility does not mean reckless self-abandonment of any personal dreams or goals nor does service mean reckless volunteerism whenever asked.  Humility in service to Christ means alignment of personal ambitions with those of God and serving the Body of Christ wherever God directs.  A genuine Christian is one following Jesus in their lives and offering their personal ambitions to serving Christ and others. 

May God bless everyone’s new year.