Day 11 — Humility

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 2:3–5 (BSB)

Humility isn’t on the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. But it’s like the soil that all the other fruit grows in. It’s hard to be patient, kind or gentle if you think you’re the most important person in the room!

What is humility? Some people think it means thinking you’re terrible, or never admitting you’re good at anything. That’s not it. Humility means seeing yourself the right way: as someone God made and loves, but not more important than anyone else. It means thinking about yourself less, and about others more.

Paul says to “consider others more important than yourselves.” That’s the opposite of what comes naturally. Naturally, we want to be first in line, get the biggest slice and have everyone notice how great we are.

Humility looks like:

• Letting someone else go first.
• Being happy when someone else gets the credit.
• Admitting when you’re wrong and saying sorry.
• Asking for help when you need it.
• Noticing what other people need, not just what you want.

Paul says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Then, in the verses that follow, he describes the most humble thing anyone has ever done. Jesus was God, but He didn’t hold on to His rights. He came down to earth, became a servant and died on a cross for us. Remember Jesus washing His disciples’ feet? The King of the universe knelt down to serve.

If Jesus, who had every right to be served, chose to serve, then we can follow His example.

Here’s the funny thing about humility: the more you try to show it off, the more you lose it! Humble people aren’t thinking about how humble they are. They’re just busy loving others.

Think about it: Where is it hardest for you to put others first? At home, at school, on a team, with friends?

Try this: Look for a chance today to put someone else’s interests before your own. Let them choose the game, the seat or the last snack.

Dear Jesus, You are God, but You humbled Yourself and became a servant. Help me have the same mind that You have. Help me think about others more and myself less. Take away my pride and make me humble like You. In Your name, Amen.