The Path of True Greatness: Humility in God's Kingdom
In a world that often equates greatness with power, influence, and authority, we're challenged to reconsider our definition of what it truly means to be great. The Kingdom of God operates on a paradoxical principle: the way up is down. True greatness isn't about climbing higher, but about bowing lower.
This profound truth is beautifully illustrated in the life of Jesus Christ, as described in Philippians 2:5-11. This passage offers us a glimpse into the mind of Christ and presents an ultimate example of humility that we're called to emulate.
The Divine Descent
Jesus, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, He made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. This divine descent is mind-boggling when we truly ponder it. The Creator of the universe, the one who spoke galaxies into existence, willingly set aside His heavenly glory to become one of us.
Imagine the culture shock Jesus must have experienced. From the constant praise of angels to the scorn of mankind, from the glories of heaven to the dust of earth - this was the ultimate act of humility. As one author beautifully put it:
"When God chose to reveal himself, he did so through a human body. The tongue that called forth the dead was a human one. The hand that touched the leper had dirt under its nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were calloused and dusty. And his tears, oh, don't miss the tears. They came from a heart as broken as yours or mine ever has been."
The Servant King
But Jesus didn't stop at merely becoming human. He took on the nature of a servant. The King of kings washed the feet of fishermen. The Lord of all came not to be served, but to serve. He touched the untouchables, loved the unlovable, and forgave the unforgivable.
This servanthood culminated in the ultimate act of love and obedience - death on a cross. Crucifixion was one of the most degrading and excruciating forms of death known to man. It was reserved for the lowest of criminals. Yet Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly endured this shame for our sake.
The Exaltation
The story doesn't end in humiliation, though. Because of Christ's obedience and humility, God the Father highly exalted Him. The Greek word used here means "super-exalted" - lifted to the highest possible level. Jesus, who went lower than anyone, is now raised higher than all.
This exaltation came in phases: His resurrection, ascension, dominion, and His current role of intercession. Right now, at this very moment, Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, praying for us. What an incredible thought!
The name above all names has been given to Him - Lord. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. It's not a question of if, but when. Will we acknowledge His lordship now, or will we be forced to do so at the judgment seat?
The Call to Humility
This awe-inspiring account of Christ's humility and exaltation isn't just theological truth to admire from afar. We're called to "have this same mind" - to adopt this attitude of humility in our own lives and relationships.
If Jesus, the Lord of all, could humble Himself, surely we can lay aside our pride when it rises up. The world says, "Look out for number one." Jesus says, "Look out for one another." The world says, "Climb higher." Jesus says, "Go lower."
God is drawn to humility more than any other attribute. Scripture tells us that He saves the humble, listens to the humble, and dwells with the humble. When we choose humility over pride, service over status, and obedience over comfort, God promises to lift us up in His time.
This principle applies not just in our spiritual lives, but in all our relationships. Imagine how our families, workplaces, and communities would be transformed if we all adopted this mindset of Christ-like humility!
A Personal Invitation
The first step toward God is always humility. It's coming to Him with empty hands, acknowledging our brokenness and need. It's saying, "I have nothing to offer, but I will receive what you have to give me."
If you've been trying to climb your way to peace, joy, or significance, perhaps it's time to stop striving. Bow before the One who went lower than anyone so He could raise you higher than you deserve. Make Jesus your personal Lord - not just a historical figure or a good teacher, but the master of your life.
In doing so, you'll discover a paradoxical truth: in losing your life, you find it. In going low, you're lifted high. In serving others, you find true greatness.
As we reflect on this profound message of humility and exaltation, let's ask ourselves: Where in my life am I still trying to exalt myself? Where can I choose to go lower, to serve, to put others first? How can I cultivate the mind of Christ in my daily interactions?
May we all have the courage to follow in the footsteps of our humble King, trusting that as we do, we'll discover the true path to greatness in God's kingdom
This profound truth is beautifully illustrated in the life of Jesus Christ, as described in Philippians 2:5-11. This passage offers us a glimpse into the mind of Christ and presents an ultimate example of humility that we're called to emulate.
The Divine Descent
Jesus, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, He made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. This divine descent is mind-boggling when we truly ponder it. The Creator of the universe, the one who spoke galaxies into existence, willingly set aside His heavenly glory to become one of us.
Imagine the culture shock Jesus must have experienced. From the constant praise of angels to the scorn of mankind, from the glories of heaven to the dust of earth - this was the ultimate act of humility. As one author beautifully put it:
"When God chose to reveal himself, he did so through a human body. The tongue that called forth the dead was a human one. The hand that touched the leper had dirt under its nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were calloused and dusty. And his tears, oh, don't miss the tears. They came from a heart as broken as yours or mine ever has been."
The Servant King
But Jesus didn't stop at merely becoming human. He took on the nature of a servant. The King of kings washed the feet of fishermen. The Lord of all came not to be served, but to serve. He touched the untouchables, loved the unlovable, and forgave the unforgivable.
This servanthood culminated in the ultimate act of love and obedience - death on a cross. Crucifixion was one of the most degrading and excruciating forms of death known to man. It was reserved for the lowest of criminals. Yet Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly endured this shame for our sake.
The Exaltation
The story doesn't end in humiliation, though. Because of Christ's obedience and humility, God the Father highly exalted Him. The Greek word used here means "super-exalted" - lifted to the highest possible level. Jesus, who went lower than anyone, is now raised higher than all.
This exaltation came in phases: His resurrection, ascension, dominion, and His current role of intercession. Right now, at this very moment, Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, praying for us. What an incredible thought!
The name above all names has been given to Him - Lord. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. It's not a question of if, but when. Will we acknowledge His lordship now, or will we be forced to do so at the judgment seat?
The Call to Humility
This awe-inspiring account of Christ's humility and exaltation isn't just theological truth to admire from afar. We're called to "have this same mind" - to adopt this attitude of humility in our own lives and relationships.
If Jesus, the Lord of all, could humble Himself, surely we can lay aside our pride when it rises up. The world says, "Look out for number one." Jesus says, "Look out for one another." The world says, "Climb higher." Jesus says, "Go lower."
God is drawn to humility more than any other attribute. Scripture tells us that He saves the humble, listens to the humble, and dwells with the humble. When we choose humility over pride, service over status, and obedience over comfort, God promises to lift us up in His time.
This principle applies not just in our spiritual lives, but in all our relationships. Imagine how our families, workplaces, and communities would be transformed if we all adopted this mindset of Christ-like humility!
A Personal Invitation
The first step toward God is always humility. It's coming to Him with empty hands, acknowledging our brokenness and need. It's saying, "I have nothing to offer, but I will receive what you have to give me."
If you've been trying to climb your way to peace, joy, or significance, perhaps it's time to stop striving. Bow before the One who went lower than anyone so He could raise you higher than you deserve. Make Jesus your personal Lord - not just a historical figure or a good teacher, but the master of your life.
In doing so, you'll discover a paradoxical truth: in losing your life, you find it. In going low, you're lifted high. In serving others, you find true greatness.
As we reflect on this profound message of humility and exaltation, let's ask ourselves: Where in my life am I still trying to exalt myself? Where can I choose to go lower, to serve, to put others first? How can I cultivate the mind of Christ in my daily interactions?
May we all have the courage to follow in the footsteps of our humble King, trusting that as we do, we'll discover the true path to greatness in God's kingdom
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