God's Glory Church

“He humbled Himself, being obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” — Philippians 2:8

I am often amused by unofficial holidays. In the US, there’s only one February where there’s Gummy Bun Day, Sword Swallower Day, even Dog Biscuit Day! Today is called the Day of Humility. Humility is a universally recognized virtue worth celebrating. However, it was not always like that.

In the ancient world, humility was considered a weakness, not a virtue; the world valued fame. Bragging about one’s accomplishments was expected; people tried to raise their status and never lower it. Humility meant a subordinate position, for example, a servant before a master. However, all this changed after the death of Jesus Christ. He who was in the “form of God” left His divine status to take the “form of a servant” and “humbled Himself” to die for others (Phil. 2:6-8). A commendable act made me reevaluate the meaning of humility. Thanks to what Christ did, by the end of the first century, even secular writers called humility a virtue.

Every time someone is praised for being humble, the Gospel is being preached indirectly. Without Jesus, humility would not be “good” and the Day of Humility would be unthinkable. Christ gave up His status for us, revealing the humble nature of God throughout history.

What would the world be like if humility was still considered a weakness? In what relationship contexts can you find the humility of Jesus?

Lord Jesus, I praise You for Your humility. I wish to show the same humility before You!

Author: Sheridan Voysey