Main Thought
As Christians, we want to look like and be like Jesus. Jesus set the ultimate example of humility. We should be humble too! Becoming humble can be a painful process though. Our sinful pride reveals itself in more ways than we realize. When we’re upset or offended easily, it’s probably because of pride. When we’re angry that we didn’t get our way, that’s usually pride. When we scoff at the efforts of others, laugh at them, or judge them, it’s our pride. Did you know that God hates pride? That He actively opposes proud people? Realizing that should make us desperate to push the pride out of our lives! So how do we do it? Becoming humble begins with looking in the mirror and acknowledging our pride. Then, we need to act with an opposite spirit. Humility manifests itself in submission, service, and sacrifice. Becoming humble involves choosing at least one of those things, gritting our teeth, and doing it. When we do that with a heart that genuinely seeks humility, God meets us there. He will help us along the way.
Main Passages
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
- Philippians 2:5-8
42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.
- Mark 10:42-44
6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
- James 4:6
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?
Think of a moment over the past week in which pride might have revealed itself through your offense, anger, judgement, etc. What happened? Why do you think you reacted that way?
In the situation above, what might God be trying to teach you regarding humility? How can you act accordingly?