“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal with God a
treasure to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave,
becoming in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, He
humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, and that the death of a
cross.” Philippians 2:5-8
Be like Jesus. That’s pretty simple, right?
It sure sounds simple- it’s only three words. Paul certainly
makes it sound painless. “Let this mind be in you.” To “let” something be doesn’t
sound all that complicated.
Yet it is, isn’t it?
But why? I keep asking myself this question. Why is walking
in humility as Jesus did so difficult? Why was Jesus able to lay down
everything in obedience? Why are we so incapable of doing the same, living in
pride rather than humility?
Maybe I’m a bit misguided, but I think pride and false
humility are huge stumbling blocks in the lives of American Christians. We can’t
seem to get over it. Either we’re fighting to prove our abilities and why we’re
better than everyone else (pride), or we’re convinced we don’t matter one bit
and everyone else deserves to be treated better than we are (false humility).
The American church is experiencing an epidemic of over-inflated or severely
under-inflated egos.
In this area, we often don’t look much different than the
world.
Yet here we see Jesus, the One we desire to resemble, who is
God. He is all-powerful. He is all-knowing. He is infinite, complex, and
grandiose. He is mighty in every way, and He willingly lays it all down to
become a man. In obedience to the Father, He lays down His very nature. How
quick are we to do the same?
How quickly will we remain quiet even if we have the answer?
How often will we let another complete a task we could do better? How willingly
will we serve those we believe should be serving us? When do we lay down what
is natural for us- strategy, intelligence, work, creativity, speech, etc. - and
allow the spotlight to be given to another? If anything, we look for opportunities
to show others we are these things.
Jesus didn’t do that.
Once again I ask myself, “Why not?” What did Jesus have that
we didn’t? What did He know that we don’t? Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not
satisfied by answering, “Well, He’s God. That’s why.” No, no. I can’t accept
that’s why.
So, you want to know what I think? I think Jesus knew
something we don’t. Scratch that. I know
Jesus knew something we don’t.
Jesus knew who He
was; He was confident in who He was to the One who mattered most.
Jesus didn’t have to fight for His identity- He was secure
in it already. He didn’t have to be the one on center stage to assure Himself
that He was capable or valuable. Jesus didn’t have anything to prove, and I
believe it was from this foundation He was able to lay Himself down. I am
convinced we could live in the same way if we only knew who we are.
I believe when we know who we are and what we are worth, we
are free to humbly empty ourselves rather than scrap for identity and value.
When we live from a place of knowing our true worth, we are able to serve
because we know it doesn’t mean we are less worthy; it just means the one we
serve also has value. In this place we
are able to shine the spotlight on others because we know it doesn’t mean we
don’t have talents; we are free to acknowledge the gifts of others. In this
place we are eager to lay ourselves down so another may stand; we can know we
are capable, yet give others room to soar.
When we know who we are we live differently, and I believe
this was one of Jesus’ secrets in humility.
So how do we become humble people? We learn, recognize, and
accept that we are beloved children of God. We are unique. We are a
masterpiece. We are cherished. Not only this, but we are important. We are
delightful to our Father. We are loved.
If we can live in this place, I truly believe we can begin
to walk in humility. Not only because we will no longer have anything to prove
for ourselves, but because we will begin to see others as the beloved, and it
will feel like a pleasure to
serve those whom God so dearly loves.
Live in this place, beloved. This is who you are.
“For through Him we
both have access through one spirit unto the Father. Therefore we are no longer
strangers and sojourners but fellow
citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Ephesians
2:18-19
“You have not received
a spirit of slavery bringing you into fear once again, but you have received a spirit of sonship in
which we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself witnesses to our spirit that we are children of God. And if
children, heirs also. On the one
hand, heirs of God. On the other
hand, heirs with Christ, if indeed
we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:15-17
“As my Father has
loved Me, I also have loved you;
abide in My love.” John 15:9
“For it was You who formed my inward parts;
You wove me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
You works are wonderful, and my soul
knows it well.” Psalm 139:13-14
“He has predestined us
unto sonship through Jesus Christ to
Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Ephesians 1:5
“See what great love
the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! That is what we are! The reason the world does not
know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God …” 1 John 3:1-2a
