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Choose Humility: Following the Example of Christ


"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." — James 4:6.
When God’s grace fills our lives, it often leads to transformation in our families, ministries, careers, and personal journey. With grace comes protection and blessings that the enemy struggles to penetrate. However, since the devil cannot directly reach what God has safeguarded, he focuses on our hearts and minds.

The enemy’s tactic is subtle: he seeks to convince us that the positive outcomes in our lives are solely our doing. This can manifest as internal thoughts or through the well-meaning praise of others. While it's natural to receive appreciation for our efforts, how we respond to that praise will determine whether we remain under God’s grace or lose it.

Humility and Grace

Pride is a dangerous trap because it shifts the focus from God to self. The Bible warns us,
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). 
In contrast, humility roots us in God’s strength and grace. As James 4:10 states, 
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

Jesus: The Perfect Example of Humility

Jesus exemplifies humility in every aspect of His life. Despite being the Son of God, He consistently displayed servanthood and submission to God’s will.

1. The Humility of His Birth

Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a manger, not in a palace or among the elite (Luke 2:7). His humble entry into the world demonstrates that greatness in God’s kingdom is about obedience and purpose, not status or wealth.

2. The Humility of His Life 

Throughout His ministry, Jesus remained humble even as He performed miracles, drew crowds, and was recognized as a teacher and prophet. For example, in John 6:15, when the crowd wanted to make Him king, He withdrew to the mountains to pray, refusing to seek earthly power.

3. The Humility of Washing His Disciples’ Feet

In John 13:12-17, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet—a task usually reserved for servants. He tells them, 
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (v. 14). 
This act teaches us that true greatness lies in serving others, not in seeking personal glory.

4. The Humility of the Cross

Philippians 2:6-8 captures the ultimate act of humility: 
“[Jesus], being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant… He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” 
Jesus willingly laid down His life for humanity, embodying selflessness and submission to God’s plan.

Guarding Against Pride

God gives grace to the humble but resists the proud (James 4:6). Pride causes the grace of God to diminish because He does not share His glory (Isaiah 42:8). To remain in God’s favour, we must guard our hearts against pride:
  • Acknowledge God as the Source of All Blessings: When good things happen, credit them to God. As Paul reminds us, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).
  • Seek a Servant’s Heart: Like Jesus, prioritize serving others over seeking recognition.
  • Pray for Humility: Regularly ask God to help you remain humble and dependent on Him.
By choosing humility, we reflect Christ’s character and remain under God’s grace, positioning ourselves to fulfill His purpose in our lives. Let us daily echo the words of John the Baptist: 
“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

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