Weekly Devotion
October 27, 2024
Imitating Christ’s Humility
Currently in my small group, we are studying Philippians. This week we discussed Philippians 1:27-2:11. Paul is encouraging the people to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. What does this mean? What does it mean to pursue unity in the church?
Pursing unity involves many characteristics, most notably humility. So, what does it mean to be humble, according to a biblical definition it is “the practice of meekness, obedience to God, respect of self and others, submissiveness and modesty”. I have been noticing that when I am thinking of others my heart posture changes. If I am confronted with someone I do not like, or don’t agree with, in the moment I may feel anger or frustration. If I am confronted with someone I hold dear, my heart is filled with compassion and love for them. This seems like a normal response, but what would it be like to view each of these moments with the love and compassion Jesus had when he was on earth. He would not have a bad attitude towards those who irritate him or disagree with Him, like I do at times.
In what ways are we exemplifying the character of Jesus when we walk in humility. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col 3:12-13) The idea of remaining compassionate, humble, kind, gentle and patient in all circumstances seems like an impossible task. How can we express these qualities when we don’t agree with each other? How can we be unified when we have our own agenda that we think is right and important? I think that one important thing we can do to build unity is to release our own agendas to the Lord in prayer before we come into his presence, whether that is on Sunday for church, at our own small groups during the week, or before an important meeting. I believe it is important to pray for an open heart and mind to the things that challenge us. Being challenged is good for us, but we also want to demonstrate our strength together as dearly loved children of God. God has promised that when two or more are gathered in my name I am there. That means we have God with us and how great is that!
One realization I had from our discussion was that in Jesus’ humanity he was fully obedient to the Father without argument, complaining, or bargaining. Jesus always focused on the Father’s will to be done. When we take on a heart posture of humility we are opened to the ideas of others and to the unifying thoughts and plans God has for us. A heaven focused attitude allows us to put aside the earthly noise and distractions that seek to divide us, and to pay attention to the will of God, which may come in a whisper.
In the second part of Philippians 1: 27 Paul says “Then, whether I come to see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News” (NLT). How great would it be to have someone tell us they know that we are standing together in unity here at WCC with one spirit and purpose. When we take on the character of Jesus and do things from a place of love, compassion, and humility we are focusing on others and not ourselves.
Let’s make it a challenge for ourselves to have the same attitude that Jesus had this week. I will leave you with Philippians 2:5-11 as your reminder in case you forget.
5You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,[a]
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];
he took the humble position of a slave[c]
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[d]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Written by
Jodi Dyck