“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

What a simple verse. But although it’s simple, it won’t mean much if you don’t know Jesus. You’d be puzzling over what attitude the author, Paul, is talking about.

By reading the surrounding verses, it’s clear to see he’s talking about humility. In fact just prior to today’s verse, Paul says I should consider others more important than myself. That’s humility!

You can see how Jesus personified humility by reading the whole New Testament of the Bible. He gave up being God to become human. And not a wealthy one with high social status. He was born in a stable in a backwater town. He was poor and homeless during His entire ministry, relying on the hospitality of others. He would hang out with anyone and even touched the “untouchables” of His time. He didn’t use any of the infinite power at His disposal to save Himself from harm, and He ultimately allowed Himself to be killed wearing the undeserved guilty mantle that belongs to you and me.

Jesus’s attitude was definitely one of humility. And it’s the attitude I am asked to have as well.

So how does that play out in my life? It means pretty much doing the opposite of what feels right!

When I am driving down the highway and someone wants to merge into my lane, I will make it easy for them instead of trying to claim my space or speeding up to get in front of them. After all, wherever they are trying to go is more important than my appointment.

When there aren’t quite enough to go around, I will make sure the person next to me gets one instead of taking one for myself first. After all, their needs are more important than mine.

When someone is rude to me, I will react with kindness and generosity because they are probably having a difficult day and need peace more than I do right now.

Humility is generally assuming the other person is more in need of whatever resources there are than I am. It’s hard. But it’s what Jesus did, and with His strength, I can too.

Dear God,

Thank you for the example of humility you gave me in your Son. Please help me to live up to your ideal. I know I don’t. Forgive my many, many failures! Help me to notice my pride and give me wisdom to know how to adjust my attitude and behavior toward humility.