Daily Devotional: Philippians 2:3

Theme: Are We Walking in Complete Humility?

Scripture: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. —Philippians 2:3 [ESV]

Humility. What is this small yet profound word that Jesus and many of the writers in the bible often amplify? Most of us might assume that humility simply means that we don’t “puff up” ourselves or walk around arrogantly. However, when we delve into Philippians 2, we dig deeper into the ways that we are commanded to walk humbly.

I can admit that I thought that I had humility down-packed until I began to read the Word more this year and I noticed that I had many areas that I still needed to improve. For one, I’ve suffered a lot with pride and it wasn’t until this year that God gave me complete revelation of this issue. When it comes to pride, although there are many expressions of it, the basis of pride always stems to “self”—–which makes one selfish to an extent. Just in this context, we wouldn’t be walking out Philippians 2:3, because selfish ambitions would be a hidden desire that pride stores in our hearts. Moreover, when I just look back on my journey, I realize just how much “church culture” and today’s preaching only further groomed me (and us as a whole) to think of ‘myself’ AT ALL TIMES. If it’s not from a “I will win” standpoint to constant motivation to the false notion of thinking we’re God’s favorite to learning how to pray solely for my own wants/needs as opposed to God’s will and for others to so many other things.

Whether we like to admit it or not, today’s way of “church” doesn’t teach us to have humility at all—not even with God. It almost creates a sense of entitlement to have God work things out for us at all times to avoid any ounce of discomfort and suffering. Not to mention, our lack of reverence + Fear of God—hence why we do the things we do in ministry without conviction as well as the way that we treat each other in the body of Christ with no remorse. The lack of humility is running rampant and the effects of it results in a lack of love for God and others.

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” —Matthew 22:37-40

What is Humility Biblically?

From a biblical standpoint, humility is a divine characteristic that involves putting others’ needs before one’s own, and is often described as a downward disposition of self-perception. Some distinct characteristics of biblical humility:

A divine characteristic
Humility is a divine characteristic that is only found in human hearts through the Spirit of God. 

A downward disposition
Humility is a downward disposition of self-perception, or a lowly spirit. 

Putting others first
People with humility put others’ needs before their own, and sacrifice for the love of others. 

Not self-deprecating
Humility is not about having a low view of oneself, or feelings of inferiority or incompetency. 

Renouncing self-righteousness
Humility involves renouncing the illusion of self-righteousness, and repudiating all attempts at self-salvation.

So, when we delve into Philippians 2, we see that it’s mentioned that we shouldn’t only purse our own interests but the interests of others. It’s about being on one accord, with one mind, and walking in one love. True fellowship and unity. And as we’re reminded, Jesus made Himself humble and never equal with God while He was here and made Himself “downward” in stature by being a servant amongst us. Truthfully, if we all in the body of Christ thought highly of others above ourselves—–could you image where we would be? There would be no lack of anything. Everyone would be thought of. That’s kingdom.

REFLECTION:

As we talk through the rest of this week, especially for Christmas and the holidays, let’s think of someone else besides ourselves and bring joy to that person—-whether it be a loved one or a stranger. Before arguing on social media about the secondary differences within the body, let’s act kindly, gently, and offer love in a season that for many might be hard, triggering, and lonely. Let’s create more focus on the King who was divinely sent down from Heaven and cultivated in the womb of a virgin and born like you and I—–only to bear it all on the cross for our sins and rise again in all Glory on the 3rd day!

When we realize that walking in humility is a daily thing and requires that we see others as God’s imprint and children, the better we will be as a whole. It would be easier to fellowship and serve one another in a real way. It would allow for more truth and transparency without the fear of being condemned or judged incorrectly without the option of restoration. The kind of humility that Jesus wants us to exude genuinely allows us to see ourselves correctly as well as others and it proves that ONLY God is above all. None of us are of any importance besides the Lord.

True humility gives no place to the devil because we would repent more. It gives no place to insecurities, jealousy, or envy. It gives no room to manipulation or abuse—–dismantling “church hurt”. True humility opens up the path for love to reside. True love. Sacrificial love. Unwavering love. Patient love. A love that covers. A love that saves. A love that’s of God. For God is love.

God Bless.