I am on a search for what it means to be truly humble. The definition of humility, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, is freedom from pride or arrogance. Can anyone then say they are truly humble? I know I cannot. Pride creeps in when I have accomplished a task that was difficult. Arrogance partners with pride when I know that it took skill and persistence to do it and I wonder why other people don’t try hard enough. I do not live in that place all the time, but for sure I fall into being prideful on occasion. We all do. Because that is what humans do.
But God…
The beauty of being in Christ is that He lives in us as The Humble Servant so we can turn to Him in our pride, repent (that is change our mind and behavior where we fall short), and ask Him to help us become humble.
So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 15:4-7)
Jesus demonstrated humility by washing the feet of the disciples. Peter was horrified that Jesus was washing their dirty feet. Jesus was teaching them that in life the posture of being a servant is the opposite of pride. Pride says I cannot do this or I won’t do this. Humility says I get to do this.
Serving others does not always come easy. There are times when someone doesn’t deserve it or times when we don’t feel like reaching out and serving others. But when we do…. We are serving Jesus.
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Mathew 25:37-40).
What a sobering thought. Every time we display a heart to serve and care for those in need, we are serving Jesus and displaying His humble heart.
Perspective rules the day. When I am in my selfish-I-am-queen mode, my heart is pricked in recalling the words of Christ. Serve others. Wash their feet, give them food, pray, help the sick. Pride and humility cannot occupy the same space.
The definition of trademark is that which differentiates a product or service from all others of its kind and recognizes the source company’s ownership of the brand. What about you? Is humility your trademark? Do others recognize that you are branded by Christ as you serve others? Join me today in seeking to humbly serve others. They will know we are Christians by our love.
