Weekend Word Part III

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:5-11

This is one of those rich passages from scripture that served as an early hymn of the church. In these verses, Paul hits on something that I love about Jesus—humility. “Being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing…” I can’t imagine what it took to make this decision, to leave a throne in glory to walk the earth as a person…and it’s not like Jesus was leaving God’s side to live a nice cushy life here on earth. His life was hard. The son of a carpenter did not experience the niceties of life by any stretch, but Jesus was willing to live a demanding, uncomfortable life and die an arduous and horrific death, just to give God glory, to save us.

Many think of humility as a bad thing—to feel inferior is something that is frowned upon in society and I agree. I don’t think anyone should feel inferior because we are all equal in God’s eyes, but I don’t think that’s the kind of humility we are called to show…the kind of humility that Jesus exemplified for us. His life embodied a submissive humility that is necessary in the life of all Christians. Jesus knew God’s plan and humbled himself to fulfill it and because of his humility, he was lifted high—exalted. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Like Jesus, a true leader, a leader that God blesses, is one who is humble and submissive to God’s will. A true follower of Christ knows who they’re following and realizes that there is something much larger than themselves. I think it’s easy, when looking at the grand scheme of things, to realize our “smallness.” On the other hand, no matter how small I feel, it’s still hard to be humble. It’s still hard to put aside my selfish desire to be in charge and submit to God’s will—to show the ultimate act of humility. I think when Christ followers make this realization and jump in with both feet to follow God’s plan, big things can happen…God-sized things that can change the world…

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”