What Does Humility Require?

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

When I compare selfishness to humility, I see a stark contrast. Selfishness is “all about me”…what I want, thinking only of my needs, seeking personal gratification, being self-centered, and putting aside serving others so I can serve myself. Humility is the exact opposite and requires the minimization of our own importance.

I recently experienced this struggle between selfishness and humility. For an extended period of time, I was consumed with the care of a loved one who had a stroke. As the weeks wore on and I was having difficulty keeping up with my job while meeting my loved one’s needs, my flesh was crying out, “What about me and my needs? When Lord, will the requirement to serve be over? I am so tired Lord. I can’t do this anymore.” He answered very clearly each time, not by giving me relief from the situation, but by giving me more opportunities to serve which required even more humility from me. To say the least, it was a humbling learning experience.

After Paul reminded the Philippians to regard one another as more important than themselves, he went on to say, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” To think Christ’s humility and obedience led to his own excruciating death puts our meager opportunities to demonstrate humility in perspective.

Oh Lord, help me to grasp the full meaning of humility! I beg You to reveal the true meaning of humility and what that looks like for my life. Thank You for Christ’s example of humility and obedience. Thank You that humility is part of Your perfect plan and that personal revival is available through Christ’s example of it!

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