The Next Step is Humility

In order to learn from one another in life, we must be able to submit in order to receive the impartation of another. Apostle Paul, in the below passage talks to a group of believers informing anyone who attempts to be a believer that the nature of humility is found in the life of Jesus. Who was, in fact, God, but never utilized that fact as a justification for not humbling himself to be killed, even to be crucified by others.

Philippians‬ ‭2:3-8 ‭NIV “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being the 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. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

In our life walk, our submission to one another yielding ourselves even to the point of death for another makes us accountable to someone else. Being Humble comes from that place of Humility, which is the ability to be humiliated. Not that you have to be humiliated to be humble, but the willingness to endure humiliation under accountability is what conceives humility thereby producing a more humble being. Listen, I like it said better from the New Living Translation:

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges - he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Oh my goodness, that was so rich. Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus, who had all right and privilege to be bougie, did not consider equality - ranking, positioning, or status - as a reason to not be made the least of us. The Bible says "Divine Privilege" was removed. So in our life, though we are entitled, God says in order to be like humble you have to remove the title. Similar to the title on your car, you have the ability to give the responsibility or ownership to someone else. Jesus, stripped his self of the privilege to say "no" to God because he was God and submitted to the alternative plan of God, which made him accountable to, or in other words a slave to God. Say neighbor - "I'm a slave to God." See the great thing about being accountable to someone else - everything is their responsibility. As a salve, He has no choice but to obey the instructions of His master. Accountability and humility are two key goals in your Christian journey that every believer should want to master.

Accountability to God made Jesus humble because although He was God, he portrayed the image of submission to a higher, more powerful entity. Which in essence lets others know that what I am doing isn't because I chose to. It's at the command of my leader or the person I'm accountable to. Often times, leaders and pastors openly profess to be accountable to other leaders, which is great. As Christian as well as leaders we are each other’s accountability buddy, but what ruins the relationship is when you no longer grow for each other. Although it's the job of the slave is to be humble because he or she is owned, the master need not neglect humility as well because mastering leadership takes the same level, responsibility, and accountability, if not more. Jesus had a responsibility as the Son of God, and God then has a responsibility as his Father. As the father, leader, mentor, or manager humility is having control yet submitting to share, or realize that we don't always have to be in control.

Even as an artist - whether it be a potential model, aspiring rapper, photographer or business owner. It is always a wise to submit your craft or talent to someone else. Artists have managers, and mentees and mentors because when you're trying to grow without guidance, you automatically become cancer. Often times, without humility to receive wisdom, we subject ourselves to the trial and error routine. If it goes wrong, you leave others at risk and make yourself look bad. But if it goes right, you say "I did it and my way works." When that may not be always true. Seeking management and mentorship isn't bad, nor is it a dictatorship. It's camaraderie! That the nugget. Jesus, whether in high or low position, always considered himself as a comrade. Paul told us in the opening scripture, Jesus did nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, He valued others above him selves, not looking to his own interests but into the interests of the others." He didn't may things for himself, but accomplishing more of for others he gained his crown.

Being humble to someone isn’t for them to control you - it’s to cover you to ensure that you don’t make the mistakes that most amateurs make! However, you don't have to be an amateur to be humble.

Reference: Mark 8:34-38 ; Luke 14:7-14

#Humility #selfless #Philippians2