A Humble Attitude
Read Philippians 2:1-11
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 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 2:2-11)
Reflect
Many people—even Christians—live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But selfishness brings discord. Paul therefore stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another and to be one in spirit and purpose. Jesus Christ was humble, willing to give up his rights in order to obey God and serve people.
Often people excuse selfishness, pride, or evil by claiming their rights. But as believers, we are called to a different attitude, one that enables us to lay aside our rights in order to serve others. If we say we follow Christ, we must also live as he lived. We can develop his attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognition for our efforts. When we work together, caring for the problems of others as if they were our problems, we demonstrate Christ’s example of putting others first, and we experience unity.
Respond
Remember, you can choose your attitude. You can approach life expecting to be served, or you can look for opportunities to serve others. But you don’t have to live in the expectation that people will take advantage of you and treat you like a doormat. Instead, prayerfully seek the Father’s wisdom, just as Jesus did.