Philippians Christ Humility
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility consider one another better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (EHV)
Humility is generally considered to be a virtuous thing. But what exactly does it mean to be humble? Perhaps one way to define humility is placing yourself lower than what you are entitled to. Although you have achieved a significant accomplishment, you do not share that with others and thereby forgo the praise or accolades which may well be deserved. Maybe you relinquish your VIP seat. Perhaps you concede your point in a debate, even if you are in the right.
But, as human beings, when we place ourselves at a status beneath that to which we are entitled, is that really much of a stretch? After all, we are all depraved, wretched sinners. Our best accomplishments are not really worth anything (“and all our righteous acts are like a filthy cloth” Isaiah 64:6 EHV). When we are exercising humility, maybe we are not really lowering ourselves but rather recognizing who we really are.
Now imagine someone who had it all. Someone who is perfect in every way. Someone who has the power to do literally anything. Someone who exercised that power in the creation of the universe! The Son of God certainly had enormous potential for lowering Himself beneath who He is and to what He is entitled. In this week’s devotion series, we will be considering the extent to which Christ humbled Himself so that He could gain for us redemption and salvation.
The humble heart and lowly
God lifteth up on high;
Beneath His feet in anguish
The haughty soul shall lie.
The heart, sincere and right,
That heeds God’s invitation
And makes true preparation,
It is the Lord’s delight.
The Lutheran Hymnal 75:3