In Philippians 2:6-8 I read, “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." (NLT)
Happiness comes from harmony, and harmony comes from humility. Jesus is my ultimate example of humility. So if you want to be a happy, humble person, I have to learn to ask myself: “What would Jesus do?”
What would Jesus do in this problem? What would Jesus do for that person who’s hurting? What would Jesus do at the office, on the golf course, or in my marriage?
When I ask what Jesus would do, my answer will always be a humble one that builds harmony and happiness rather than difficulty, defeat, bitterness, and resentment.
So, what does it mean to act like Jesus?
1. Don’t demand what I think I deserve. Philippians 2:6 says, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to” (NLT).
It is countercultural to give up my right to something. I may have rights, but demanding my rights isn’t the best way to get my needs met. I can be tender without surrender; I can be understanding without demanding.
2. Look for ways that I can serve. Philippians 2:7 says, “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being” (NLT).
If I want to be like Jesus, I have to learn to serve.
3. Do what’s right even when it’s painful. Philippians 2:8 says, “He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (NLT).
Jesus is the ultimate model of humility. In fact, Philippians goes on to say that, because of Jesus’ humility, “God elevated him to the place of highest honor” (Philippians 2:9 NLT).
When I follow Jesus’ example, God will honor my humility with harmony and happiness.
In summary, even though he was God, Jesus did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. He gave up his divine privileges, was born human and took the humble position of a slave. He also humbled himself in obedience to God and ultimately died a criminal’s death on a cross. So what I’m learning is that happiness comes from harmony, and harmony comes from humility. Jesus is my ultimate example of humility. To be a happy and humble person, ask, “What would Jesus do?” When I ask, my answer will always be a humble one that builds harmony and happiness. To act like Jesus, I should not demand what I think I deserve. I need to learn to be tender without surrender and understanding without being demanding. Next, look for ways that I can serve. And lastly, do what’s right even when it’s painful. When I follow Jesus’ example, God will honor my humility with harmony and happiness.
Jesus Christ was humble, willing to give up his rights in order to obey God and serve people. Like Christ, I too should have a servant's attitude, serving out of love for God and for others. I can choose my attitude and I can approach life expecting to be served, or I can look for opportunities to serve others. Jesus without ceasing to be God, became human. He did not give up his deity to become human, but set aside his right to his glory and power. In doing so Jesus was then subject to place, time and other human limitations. What made him unique was his freedom from sin. In full humility, Jesus showed me everything about God's character that can be conveyed in human terms.
Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me.
Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, and doing well and making a difference in my new job. I pray all these things through you Son Jesus’ name, Amen.
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