Weekly Devotion & Prayer - October 17, 2022

Weekly Devotion for October 17, 2022
By Ebenezer Insor

'Humility'

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what……. Philippians 2:5
 
Grace and peace to you this week as we reflect on our humility in service. We have all heard about the word humility a thousand times, but how do we respond to it in our life encounters when holding positions or roles.
 
Humility is one of the gifts of the spirit. In its simplest meaning, it is taking a modest view or low importance of oneself in relation to others. Paul appeals to us to reflect that attitude as displayed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Philippians 2:5-8 That even though he was God, he did not count that as equality with his father but gave up his status and power in service to fulfill the Father’s desire.
 
Jesus gave an example of humility as he taught the disciples that to be first, you must be last as they argued about who is the greatest in Mark 9:33-35. He further demonstrated this in action as he showed his humility and servanthood in John 13:1-17 with the feet washing before the Last Supper with them to soothe their egos. This act of Jesus was relegated to servants who were charged to washing the feet of their masters and guests as they came in from long journey. Yet he used that as a teaching moment in explaining to the disciples what it takes to be humble in service.
 
In reflection there are a couple things that we can learn in practicing humility. The first of these is our obedience to God as Christ did in response to the Father’s desire. Secondly by his sacrifice where he emptied himself, which means giving up what he had by his status. Thirdly was his commitment to taking up the task of carrying our burdens all the way to the cross and finally his dedication to see the task through by his death on the cross. For his mere act of humility, he was greatly rewarded by being elevated to a position above everything in heaven and earth, to be honored and worshipped by every creature to God’s glory.   
 
Beloved in closing, I pray that we continue to walk humbly with God, by doing his good will as he abides with us, trusting and obeying so that we may be happy in Jesus. May we be filled with the spirit in service to be selfless, devoted, committed and dedicated to God’s glory. Amen.