The example of Humility; Philippians 2:1-8
What comes to mind when you hear the command “Be Humble”?
Some can easily assume that it can come naturally. Whilst others would struggle with the idea of humility as it looks like timidness or weakness. Humility is something that the christian needs the Spirit to grow deeper in.
In Philippians 2, Paul is challenging his listeners to practice an attitude of humility. He asks the members of the church to not be filled with pride and self importance(vs3). He asks that the believers would care more about their fellow members’ well-being and think of them as more important than themselves.(vs4)
In asking them to think and live this way he does not think they can obey this command naturally, so he points to an example for them to follow. An example which is essentially the cornerstone of their faith. He wants them to think in the same way Jesus Christ thought. This call to humility is centered on the example of Christ’s life and ministry. In verses 5-8, Paul reasons that Jesus showed ultimate humility.
Behold Jesus, who even though he was God, co-eternal with the Father and Spirit, he didn’t see his position as something to be held unto despite being equal in power within the God-head. Instead he willingly chooses to humble himself and take on the form of humanity. Becoming united with his own creation.
Mankind had broken God’s law and was on their way to eternal ruin, yet Christ in his love for them became a man and took that dark punishment in their place in order to bring them to heaven’s door.
Christ came down from the place of Authority, to a place of subjection and obedience. In such a mysterious way, God feels weakness and pain, sorrow and anxiety, rejection and betrayal. And all this because he wasn’t thinking of his own self importance, but he was willing to serve those same people who rejected and pained him. The Son of God came to serve and give his Life away as a ransom to save many from the condemnation of sin. (vs8)
With this truth resounding in the minds of those at the church of Philippi, they are encouraged to grow in humility, to see the grand example and Christ and emulate him, in their conduct and how they show love to their fellow brothers and sisters.
Humility is a characteristic that takes time to grow and develop in a christian, yet from always focusing on the person of Christ, by the help of the Holy Spirit, day by day, it will grow and by God’s grace, help the believer be more like their Lord.
-Henry Onwordi