The perfect model: 3 instances of Christ's humility
In a world that likes to celebrate achievements and focuses on being noticed, it can be tough to hold on to good qualities, especially as a Christian.
With this said, have you ever wondered about a quality that might be hard to follow these days? Well, for most people, including Christians, it is the act of being humble.
Why is it so hard? Think about the strong pressures from society, the constant need to do well, and that voice inside us that always wants to be first. These things can make staying humble tricky.
However, there is someone who set a perfect example: Jesus Christ
In the Bible, there are three times when Jesus showed amazing humility. These stories can be like a map for you, helping you be humble even when things get tough.
In this article, we will share such stories and show you how they can inspire you to stay humble.
Importance of humility
Humility means not putting yourself above others and being modest. But what makes it so important?
Here are a few reasons why.
Pridefulness is a sin
Humility is vital because being prideful and thinking you are better than others, goes against what's right.
The Bible says,
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)
It means that when you are too proud, you might end up in trouble.
Humility attracts God’s grace
Being humble is good because it brings you closer to God's love and kindness. When you are humble, God pays attention to you.
As it is written,
"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." (James 4:6)
So, if you want God's favor, humility is the way to go.
Humility leads to a thankful heart
Humility helps you have a heart full of gratitude. When you're humble, you appreciate the good things around you and the people who make your life better.
The Bible reminds us,
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Instances of Christ’s humility
In looking for a model of humility, Christ stands as the flawless example. He displayed this trait remarkably in three key moments during his life.
Renunciation
The word "renunciation" has roots in the Latin language, signifying a strong "protest against."
In today's terms, it refers to formally rejecting something. For Jesus, this renunciation was a deliberate choice to deny himself, as stated in Philippians 2:6.
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage”
The denial was not merely an act; it ran deep.
Christ, who was fully God, didn't hold on tightly to his divine status as Sovereign King for personal gain. Instead, he set aside his divine rights, humbling himself to come to earth as a servant.
Although the universe owed its existence to him, he entered the world through human birth.
Plus, despite being in the form of God, deserving all honor, he willingly embraced the role of a despised man of sorrows.
As a Christian, you are called to mirror Christ's humility. This is not about earning your way to heaven or collecting spiritual accolades. Instead, it is a process of becoming selfless, giving of yourself, and offering your love to others.
Incarnation
Though many writings discuss these Christ’s incarnation, the core idea is quite simple: Christ willingly left his supreme position in the universe to embrace the lowest state on earth.
He did this to rescue undeserving people from God's judgment. There is no greater illustration of humbling oneself than what Jesus did for us.
As a Christian, this example has a significant impact on how you should be.
Jesus became human to redeem us, to free us from sin and death, and to reconcile us with God. This incarnation is not just a historical event; it is a model of sacrificial love.
It defines who you are as an individual and as a worker.
When you encounter issues at work or in your community, you should not dismiss them as someone else's concern.
Just as Christ embraced our problems and offered solutions, you, as a Christian united with Christ, should reflect his love and work by showing empathy, service, and love to others.
Crucifixion
In the historical context, crucifixion was a form of execution that went beyond inflicting physical pain.
It was a method designed to bring about the maximum amount of shame, humiliation, and public degradation upon the condemned individual.
The act of being crucified was not only a means of punishment. This was also a tool of social and psychological control.
It served as a stark warning to others about the consequences of challenging authority or committing crimes.
Crucifixion was particularly prevalent in the Roman Empire and other ancient societies.
Moreover, it was reserved for the most despised criminals, including slaves, rebels, and those deemed a threat to the state.
One aspect that contributed to the shame of crucifixion was its public nature.
Crucifixions were often carried out in highly visible and frequented areas. This includes crossroads or city gates, ensuring that a large audience, including family members, friends, and passersby, would witness the agonizing spectacle.
Moreover, the act of being raised on a cross exposed the individual's body in a vulnerable and degrading manner.
It left them naked or nearly naked, emphasizing their helplessness and vulnerability. This physical exposure, coupled with the immense pain and suffering, aimed to strip away any remaining shreds of dignity and self-worth.
In the Bible, it states that in the eyes of the Jews, anyone hanged on a tree was seen as cursed by God, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:23.
“You must not leave the body hanging on the pole overnight. Be sure to bury it that same day, because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse. You must not desecrate the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.”
Meanwhile, among the Gentiles, crucifixion was the lowest and most shameful form of execution, a spectacle designed for public humiliation.
In light of this, Paul's message is clear: Jesus descended from the pinnacle of glory to the depths of agony.
The full extent of the glory he relinquished and the humiliation he willingly embraced can only be comprehended when we stand with him in glory.
To nurture humility within yourself, it is vital to ponder the overwhelming implications of the holy and eternal Son of God assuming human form.
Not merely the form of a king, but that of a servant. And in an even greater act of humility, willingly submitting to the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.
Through this act of self-sacrifice, Christ achieved the mightiest victory ever accomplished for humanity: triumph over death itself.
Now, as a Christian, you're called to emulate this humility in your life.
Just as Christ's humility led him to the cross, your humility can lead you to selflessness, to embrace others with love, and to willingly lay aside your desires for the greater good.
Walk in humility
As you contemplate the remarkable humility displayed by Christ in his life, it serves as an inspiring example for you to follow.
Just as he embraced humility, you too can embark on a journey of selflessness and modesty.
Recognize the value of putting others before yourself.
Acknowledge their needs and extend a helping hand by using your talents, resources, and influence to benefit those around you.
Moreover, learn from others and admit your imperfections.
Just as Christ, though fully divine, came as a servant, you too can approach life with a teachable spirit.
Embrace growth opportunities, open your heart to constructive feedback, and strive to become a better version of yourself.
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