The Power of Humility: Embracing the Mind of Christ

In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and personal gain, there's a counter-cultural message that challenges us to our core: true greatness lies in humility. This truth, exemplified perfectly in the life of Jesus Christ, has the power to transform not only our individual lives but also our communities and the world around us.

At the heart of this message is a simple yet revolutionary idea: it's not about you. It's not about me. It's all about Jesus. This concept, drawn from the teachings of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians, invites us to adopt "the mind of Christ," an attitude of absolute selflessness that leads to powerful, sacrificial action.

But what does it mean to have the mind of Christ? Paul provides us with a vivid picture in Philippians 2:5-11. He describes Jesus, who, "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 and coming in the likeness of men."

This passage reveals a startling truth: Jesus, the eternal God, willingly emptied Himself of His divine privileges. He didn't cling to His status or rights but chose to become nothing: a servant, identifying with the lowest in society. This wasn't just a momentary act of kindness; it was a complete emptying of self for the sake of others.

The implications of this truth are staggering. If the King of Kings chose to empty Himself for our sake, how much more should we, His followers, be willing to lay aside our preferences, titles, and very way of life for the sake of others?

This selfless attitude led Jesus to the ultimate act of sacrifice: "He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8). Jesus' entire life was marked by humility, from His humble birth in a manger to His death between two criminals. No one took His life; He willingly laid it down for the sins of the world.

The beautiful paradox of the gospel is that this supreme act of humility led to the highest exaltation. "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).

This pattern of humility leading to exaltation is not just for Jesus; it's a principle for all who follow Him. As 1 Peter 5:6 reminds us, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." In God's kingdom, the way up is down. Humility is our job; promotion is God's job.

But how do we cultivate this mindset of humility in our daily lives? It starts with a conscious decision to empty ourselves of our pride, selfish desires, and self-importance. We must choose every day to die to ourselves, recognizing that there's nothing inherently good in us apart from Christ.

This emptying of self creates space for Christ to fill us with His presence and power. When we're empty of ourselves, we're in the perfect position for God to use us in ways we never imagined. It's only when we decrease that Christ can increase in our lives.

Practically, this might look like:

1. Serving others without expectation of recognition or reward
2. Putting the needs of others before our own comfort or preferences
3. Being quick to listen and slow to speak
4. Admitting when we're wrong and asking for forgiveness
5. Using our gifts and talents for the benefit of others, not for self-promotion

Imagine what could happen if we truly embraced this mindset in our families, workplaces, and communities. What if husbands and wives woke up each day asking, "How can I serve my spouse today?" What if we approached our jobs not with a focus on climbing the corporate ladder, but on how we could lift others up? What if our churches were filled with people more concerned about others' needs than their own preferences?

The result would be nothing short of revolutionary. We would begin to see the power of God manifested in ways we've never experienced before. Our relationships would be transformed, our communities would be strengthened, and the light of Christ would shine brightly through us.

However, we must be prepared: this path of humility is not easy. It often involves suffering and sacrifice. But as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we can be assured that our suffering is not in vain. Just as Christ's humility led to His exaltation, our humble obedience will lead to glory.

As we conclude, let's remember that this journey towards Christlike humility is not one we can undertake in our own strength. It requires a daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to shape our attitudes and actions. It begins with recognizing our need for a Savior and submitting our lives to His lordship.

For those who have never taken this first step of making Jesus the Lord of their life, today is the day to humble yourself before Him. Confess your sins, receive His forgiveness, and begin the transformative journey of following Him.

For those who are already followers of Christ, let this be a renewed call to empty ourselves daily, dying to our flesh and allowing Christ to live through us. May we, like the Apostle Paul, be able to say, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).

In a world that tells us to look out for number one, let's dare to be different. Let's embrace the mind of Christ, emptying ourselves for the sake of others and for the glory of God. As we do, we may just find that in losing our lives, we truly find them.

All for Him,

Pastor Dustin