“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” – Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV)
In today’s world, humility is often mistaken for weakness. It isn’t. It is strength under God’s control. Like a powerful horse submitting to a skilled rider, true humility is when your gifts, ambitions, and abilities are disciplined and directed by God’s authority. The horse doesn’t lose its strength; it uses its strength purposefully. So it is with you when you walk in humility.
Jesus, in our anchor text, models what humility looks like for every believer; it is choosing to honour God above self, value people above position, and serve with a heart that reflects Christ. To “humble yourself” means to consciously bring your attitude, behaviour, and ambitions under the lordship of Jesus, so that your life reflects His heart to those around you.
The world teaches you to push, compete, and boast your way upward. But in God’s Kingdom, greatness is defined differently: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26 NIV). True honour comes through serving others, submitting to God, and treating people with grace, not through self-promotion.
David is a clear example. Though anointed as the next king, he refused to seize the throne by force, even when opportunity presented itself (1 Samuel 24). Like Christ, who did not grasp at His rightful position, David did not leverage his anointing for personal gain. He honoured God’s authority, trusted His timing, and served faithfully even under unjust treatment. Humility waits on God rather than forcing outcomes.
On the other hand, Saul lost his throne because of pride and disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22–26). He wanted honour from people more than approval from God. Pride always leads to downfall, but humility shapes you into a servant God can trust (Proverbs 16:18).
Humility shows in how you treat people: it is in listening before sharing your opinion, receiving corrections without becoming defensive, serving without resentment, treating people with respect regardless of their position, remaining faithful when no one is watching, and staying grounded when people celebrate you. This is not weakness; it’s Christlike strength.
Beloved, as you go into today, choose humility. Let your words be gentle, your attitude teachable, and your heart surrendered to God. Remember, as you walk in humility, God shapes you into the likeness of His Son, and that is the greatest honour of all.
Bible Reading Plan: Ezekiel 36–37; John 6:1–21