LIFESTYLE OF HUMILITY FOR IMPACT (1)

“And being found in appearance as a man, HE HUMBLED Himself and became obedient to the point of death…’ – Phil.2:8a

Our Lord Jesus Christ exemplified the LIFESTYLE of HUMILITY for IMPACT: “And being found in appearance as a man, HE HUMBLED Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name” (Phil.2:8-9). Humility is a major attitude of Christ expressly recommended to Believers: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Phil.2:5a NASB). We’re counselled to imbibe His humble attitude and Mind, walking in the Lifestyle of Humility for Exaltation and God-glorifying Impact!

The Lord Jesus is our Model in Humility: He “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (v.7). He had the choice to have stuck to His “status” as the Son of God, but He humbled Himself and was obedient even unto death. The Father therefore exalted and bestowed upon His Son the highest authority: “the name above every name” (v.9). Humility as a heart attitude refers to meekness and lowliness of mind: “In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (v.3b). Humility does not interpret as thinking poorly about yourself, or despising the grace of God in your life. Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less! In Christ, humility did not delete Divinity!

Humility is the opposite of pride; and believers are called to abhor pride and live humbly: ”Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “GOD RESISTS the PROUD, but GIVES GRACE to the HUMBLE” (1 Pet.5:5). Pride is a very sneaky, self-deceiving attitude which destroys lives and relationships. Everybody else can see it in the proud person but him or her: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Pro.16:18). The Message Bible says: “First pride, then the crash – the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.”

Humility is the Pathway to exaltation and honour: “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor” (Pro.29:23). As vital as humility is however, it is one of the hardest qualities to cultivate and consistently manifest in today’s “selfie” world. The very nature of humility seems to contradict the society’s warped values, which applaud independence, self-reliance, selfish success, and narcissistic fame. Yet, Believers are exhorted: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1Pet.5:6). God-glorifying Impact flows from the Heart of Humility, not from the Pedestal of Pride: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (Jam.4:10).