What does it mean to be humble? Humility seems this ever-elusive idea. As soon we think we have our hand on it, poof, it slips out of our grasp.
Jesus understood and demonstrated perfect humility. Can you imagine being the King of Glory leaving Heaven to become nothing more than moist dirt – a man? It’s mind boggling to think about. He must really, really, really love humanity and more specifically, you and me, to do such a thing. On top of that, He not only left the perfection of Heaven, but also gave His innocent life up, to be tortured and hung on a cross! There certainly is no greater love, no greater demonstration of humility than His life.
Here are 5 tips on how to be humble like Jesus:
1. Copy Jesus’ example. Each day, learn more about who Jesus is and how He demonstrates the abundant life by reading Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Jesus, Matthew 11:29-30
2. Put others first. Don’t be selfish. Giving to the people God places in our lives is a demonstration of humility. Preferring others before our own desires and wants, taps into humility.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” – Apostle Paul, Philippians 2:3
3. Keep away from arrogance and superiority complexes. God made all of us equal in His sight. Discover the beauty and value God has created within everyone. Ask God for eyes to see others, as He sees them because to Him we’re all priceless.
“Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Apostle Paul, Philippians 2:3
4. Fast. Jesus indicates fasting is part of the Christian lifestyle. Not eating for a day, or several, exposes how weak the human condition actually is. Fasting tenderizes and softens our hearts. Fasting is something that is meant to develop the inward character of man, not the outward appearances. It’s not meant to draw attention to ourselves, but rather, put our attention on who Jesus is and His majesty over our lives.
“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” – Jesus, Matthew 6:16-18
5. Ask God for humility. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal what it looks like to walk in humility situation-by-situation, moment-by-moment. It’s God’s delight to give to us according to His will. Humility is the very essence of God’s character. He will give us the gift of humility as we seek it out.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” – Jesus, Matthew 7:7-8
The Christian walk is a journey. Thankfully, God calls us a masterpiece and a work in progress all at the same time. There’s grace and mercy as the Lord leads each of us in discovering how to demonstrate humility like Christ.
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