Humility, the Pathway to Honor


"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name." (Philippians 2:5-9)


This passage is a picture of what true humility looks like, and Jesus' life exemplified it. His first step in humility was becoming a man, but He didn't stop there! He took on the attitude of being servant-like.

We are to put on the mind of Christ by patterning our lives after Him. With Him as our model, there is no room for even a sliver of that monster pride in our hearts! By daily walking with God and surrendering our wills, we can respond correctly when something tempts our pride to flare up.

What is tempting you to respond in pride today?

Have you been passed over for a promotion at work?
Are you the victim of an unfair situation?
Does it seem that no one notices all the hard work you do?

Whatever the case may be, how does your pride look compared to Christ's humble sacrifice for you?

Jesus had voluntary humility. He chose to be as a servant when He could have been a king among men. When unfair situations come up, we have a choice to respond in pride or a choice to respond in humility. Even if we are the one who is being wronged and hurt by someone, we don't have to add to that wrong by sinning in our hearts.

Humble yourself.

Put on the mind of Christ. Even in the midst of unfair, choose to respond in humility because the good part is coming up next!

Not only do we please God with a humble response, but the Bible shows us that those who are humble will be exalted! They will receive honor! "Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility." (Proverbs 18:12)

What if the situation that causes you to choose humility is God's way of giving you honor? It could be His gift to you so that He can joyously exalt His child!

Jesus humbled Himself in many ways while He walked this earth, but His biggest test of humility was when He chose to die on the cross for our sins. It was unfair for a sinless Savior to die for my sins. For your sins. For the sins of Adolf Hitler and others like him who caused the deaths of countless people. It was totally unfair for Him to have to make that sacrifice.

But it was done totally out of love.

He humbled Himself to the point of agonizing death because of His love for sinners. So then, why should we not humble ourselves in unfair situations? Don't we love God? Hasn't He proven His worth to us?

It all comes down to this - Is God worth it to you to respond to unfair situations in humility? Is He worth you making the right choices?

I hope that your answer will be shown not only in your words but also in your life. We are to pattern our lives after Christ, and living in humility is just a small way in which we can sacrifice our pride and identify with Him.

To give Him honor.

Now, let's not forget that those who humble themselves will be exalted in due time! Your sacrifice, your humility, is seen by God and He loves to honor His children as He sees them living in obedience and seeking to please Him.

Humility is merely the pathway to honor.

You will be exalted in due time!

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (James 4:10)

"But whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister." (Mark 10:43b)


~ Tiffany ~

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