By Rick Warren
“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. He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8 NLT)
Happiness comes from harmony, and harmony comes from humility. If you want to be a humble person, you have to learn to ask yourself a question: “What would Jesus do?” What would Jesus do in this problem? What would Jesus do for that person who’s hurting? What would Jesus do at the office? On the golf course? What would Jesus do in your marriage?
Ask this question, and you’ll always come up with a humble answer that builds harmony and happiness rather than difficulty, defeat, bitterness, and resentment.
So, what does it mean to act like Jesus? Philippians 2 gives us three examples:
Don’t demand what you think you deserve. Philippians 2:6 says, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to” (NLT).
Do you realize how counter cultural it is to give up your right to something? Yes, you have rights, but there’s a better way to get your needs met than demanding your rights. You can be tender without surrender, and you can be understanding without demanding.
Look for ways that you can serve. Philippians 2:7 says, “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.”
If you want to be like Jesus, you’re going to have to learn to serve.
Do what’s right even when it’s painful. Philippians 2:8 says, “He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
Jesus is the ultimate model of humility, and God gave him the greatest honor in the universe. God honors your humility, too, when you follow Jesus’ example and do these three things.
Talk It Over
- What are some ways you can be “tender without surrender” in a relationship?
- How can you serve someone without having to be asked?
