Climbing Down the Ladder

In the two-part blog series on An Unpopular Message, we discussed the Scriptural mandate for humility. Since this seems to be a message God keeps bringing to the table during my quiet time, I felt like it bore further study.



I've always felt that humility is like an elusive bird. About the time you think you have a grasp on it, it flies away. About the time we think we can say: "Aha! I have humility!" we lose it again.



Being humble is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "not proud or haughty; not arrogant or assertive; reflecting, expressing or offered in a spirit of deference or submission; a ranking low in hierarchy or scale; insignificant; unpretentious; not costly or luxurious."



As I pondered this definition, the name and person of Jesus kept coming to the front of my mind, and in sharp contrast, the teachings of the world (even in Christian circles) also entered my thoughts--the antithesis of humility.



The world teaches that we need to be assertive and to climb the ladder to the top, regardless of who we have to step on to get there.



But Jesus...


left behind His royal throne and the splendor of heaven to come to earth to save sinful mankind (Philippians 2:6-8).
was born into the poorest and lowliest of earthly families (Luke 2:22-24).
had no where to lay His head during His earthly ministry (Luke 9:58).
washed His disciples feet (John 13:3-16).
had no form that we should desire Him (Isaiah 53:2-9).
didn't consider equality with God something to be grasped (Philippians 2:6-8).
willingly laid down His life for those He loved, many of whom betrayed and sent Him to die on a cross (John 10:18).

As His followers, we are called to emulate Christ and His humble mindset. Time to climb down the ladder...



Lord Jesus, we come before You humbled by all You did for us. That You would choose to leave the glory of heaven and take on earthly flesh, living among the poor, virtually homeless--all for the purpose of saving us from sin and death--is beyond our comprehension. Teach us Your way, Lord. Show us how to have that same mindset of humbly serving others rather than proudly serving ourselves. Make us aware of times when earthly influences try to drag us into pride and assertiveness. Lord, we love You. Give us the ability to humbly serve You and others. Amen