Humility – 22 Jan 2008

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:1-5 [NIV]

Humility is so much more attractive than pride, just like we saw yesterday that honesty is so much better than dishonesty. How much better to consider others better than ourselves – but what does that mean? Should we be seeking to destroy our self-esteem, or to become valueless and insignificant beings? I don’t think so! Rather we can see the best in people, not the worst. Building people up, not knocking them down, is a way to make relationships better and encourage love to be the focus of our friendships (not self, pride or conceit).

Christ’s attitude was humble – he didn’t boast about his powers, his knowledge or his lack of sin. He was more often seen spending time with the poor, the sick and the outcasts than the rich and influential. How can we put this humility into practice? Perhaps we should examine our motives for everything we do? Do we have the same love? Are we one in spirit and purpose?

Humility commands respect, love and unity – pride commands the opposite. Which path will you choose today?

Help us Lord to act justly and to love mercy - and most of all to walk humbly with you. Amen.