Humility – The Superior Way to Honor & Prosperity

Philippians 2:3-10

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond- servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow.

Background

In every battle, the strategy is to first take the higher ground as this provides a superior vantage point to conquer the entire area. In the battlefield of the mind, the higher ground represents the mindset of humility. Where most people get ahead of the pack by putting their interest first, humility seeks to put the interest of the whole community above his own. Humility is also that virtue that causes God to elevate him to a position of divine favor and blessing. In today’s passage, Paul shows us the way of Christ, the superior way towards honor and glory.

Observation

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others – Paul explains the virtue of Christ that is to do all things not for self interests (selfishness or empty conceit) but for the interests of the whole community; humility in essence is to always think of the interests of the whole before your own. Here, Paul admonishes the church to emulate Christ by putting humility as a virtue in their family life, work life and church life.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond- servant, and being made in the likeness of men – Paul further substantiates Jesus’ act of humility by His willingness to empty Himself of His rights and privileges for the salvation of humanity. He became physically fragile and emotionally vulnerable and He allowed Himself to be judged and condemned in a gentile court.

Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – As a result of Christ’s act of humility, God exalted Him and appointed Him to the highest station in all creation. God’s appointment of Jesus to the highest station is not because of Christ’s extraordinary capability but His humble act of putting the interests of humanity above His own. What capability is there in remaining helpless and in laying down your life under the will of immoral men?

Truth

In every battle, the strategy is always to take the higher ground before conquering the low-lying territories. Hence, believers must first possess the higher attitude of humility in order to receive divine favor and overcome the battles of life. In other words, do not wait until you are rich and successful, but start now by putting the interests of others first. The virtue of humility seeks to put God’s kingdom matters above his own; because a humble person resonates with God’s heart, and God favors and blesses him beyond his expectations. Therefore, God elevates a humble person to a higher ground so that he may be blessed to become a blessing.

Humility comes before glory and honor. The world perceives and judges people according to their capabilities and appearance. The world adores the rich, the beautiful and the powerful while they snub at those who are poor and lowly. However, God judges the inner state of a person’s heart and determines his place in the hall of faith or oblivion. Humility is the virtue that God loves and He honors those who possess it: For this reason (humility), God highly exalted Him. In the work place, a humble person is an asset to the discerning employer. While a skillful person is efficient in his area of expertise, he may not impact the overall culture of the company. God will do all to discipline a humble person so as to exalt him to a place of prominence at a proper time. While waiting for your day of exaltation, let us heed the words of  apostle Peter,

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

The virtue of humility can be developed in the context of a community. The virtue of humility arises from one whose heart is healed of his emotional wounds. Emotional wounds come largely from past rejections and betrayals; they cause the hurting person to constantly focus on nursing his wounds and to protect himself from further damage. In the context of a heavenly community, the hurting person is encouraged to open himself to others and learn to trust again. Where there is empathy and brotherly love, his wounds may be bound up and healed. As individual members draw from the life of the Spirit, the community becomes a place of healing for the broken. As people get healed, they begin to live like Christ in putting the interests of others above their own. And at a proper time, God will exalt them to a place of prominence in their work place and family.

Application

1. Devote a few hours a week to do works that brings joy and comfort to others.
2. Do you rejoice when others are blessed or do you brood over your own lack?
3. Are you sensitive to those who are struggling in their work or family relationship? Make plans to be a listening ear to them and walk with them in the midst of their struggles.

Dear Lord, I cast my anxieties on you believing that you will in time solve my problems. Instead, I seek to be sensitive and to be of help to others. Use me to be a listening ear, and a friend to the broken. At a proper time, exalt me to a position of influence so that I can be a blessing to the community. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.