Lent 38 - Imitating Christ's Humility

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Philippians 2:1-11

In our reading this morning, the apostle Paul urges followers of Jesus to display the same humility as Jesus did in his interactions with others.

What does it mean to be humble?

According to Paul, it means doing nothing for selfish purposes. It means valuing others above ourselves and putting the needs of others before our own.

Unfortunately, these are not traits that we often see in Christians and Churches in the world today. To be charitable as a Christian today means to first satisfy our own needs and then if we have anything left, to give it away to the poor.

I understand the desire to ensure that we have enough; that we are able to live comfortably; that we are able to provide an exciting future for our family and children. I have the same desires. But I can't help but think that this is not the way of Christ.

Everything about Jesus' life and teaching was about lowering himself so that others could be exalted - even to the point of death on the cross. 

What if our outlooks changed from satisfying our own needs first and then giving what is left to the needy to first satisfying the needs of the needy and then taking what is left for ourselves? It is not an easy shift to make, especially when we look around us and see everyone building up wealth and luxuries for themselves, but Jesus never said that picking up our crosses and following the way of Christ will be easy.

"No-one has ever become poor by giving"

- Anne Frank

Prayer: Servant Jesus, You have shown us a different way, a better way. Help me to humble myself as You did. Grant me a generous spirit. Help me to make it a priority to give to those in need. May I not be selfish with my possessions and my ambition. Let my life be an ever-present blessing to those who have less than me. Amen.

Image Source: Tim Mossholder

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