This series is all about what it means to be the salt of the earth and light of the world (read Matthew 5: 13-14).

How can we do that?

The only way we can show that we are Christians is through our attitudes.

An attitude is more than a feeling or mood. These two describe how we respond to what happens to us. But, the term “attitude” we are talking about in this series has to do more with our “mindset.” 

The mindset has to do with your psyche, which also means soul, inner being, mind, and spirit.

These attitudes become then a matter of your heart, soul or spirit, mind and body.

There could be many of these attitudes we can think of, but in this series, we’ll focus on only five.

• • Be Humble. 
  • Be Happy.
  • Be Loving.
  • Be Hospitable.
  • Be Generous.  Get a copy of the book if you want to learn more about the five attitudes. 

This post will talk about the first attitude, “Be Humble.”

There are four things you need to know about why you need to be humble.

Paul talks about the four components of humility in Philippians 2: 1-11.

Let’s look at that for a moment.

First, [bctt tweet=”humility has to do with our inner being or inner beauty.” username=””via PasteurEmmanuel””]

See verse 2. Paul is talking about the same mind, same love, and full accord.

Verses 3 and 4 describe what having this mind implies.

Paul talks about two things here. First, do not be selfish or do anything from selfish ambitions. Second, look to other people’s interests. 

Next, he takes us back to Jesus Christ as the model for what humility stands for, and how we should embrace it.

He says in verses 5 through 8 that Jesus modeled this attitude by doing the following. First, even though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God as an aspiration.

In Genesis 3, do you remember how the serpent tempted Adam and Eve? Do you recall what he said to them about what could happen if they eat from the forbidden tree?

He stated that they would be like God. Read Genesis 3: 5, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Humility we read about in the Bible is not about becoming equal to God, as the enemy suggested to Adam and Eve. That’s a lie. God made us in God’s image. 

Second, Jesus chose to empty himself by taking the form of a servant.

Third, Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

The reward of humility is that God exalted Jesus and gave Him a name that is above all names.

In heaven, on earth and under the earth, every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Here are two things we learn from our Scripture today:

Humility is an inner beauty

First of all, humility has to do with our inner being. When you think of a human mind, you’re talking about inner being or who we are inside.

Second, being humble is a matter of gentleness and quiet spirit. These two are components of a mind that make one humble.

The beauty of who you are should not only come out of your physical appearance.

So, the only mind that gives us inner beauty is that of Jesus Christ. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, encourages them to look for Christ’s mind. The mind of Christ shapes our mind!

Also, it is only God’s Spirit who can quiet our human spirit. The Holy Spirit, living in us, fills us with God’s nature.

Humility keeps us on our knees

The mind of Christ and the Holy Spirit help us stay at Jesus’ feet.

Christ’s mind creates in us the will and desires to humble ourselves.

This new mind, through the Holy Spirit, helps us learn how to fear the Lord. The fear of God is a choice we make to please God, no matter what!

Having the mind of Christ, God’s Spirit living in us and staying on our knees is rewarding in itself.

First, we become grateful.

We can appreciate life

You cannot claim to be grateful if you do not appreciate what you have.

Appreciation implies caring for what you have. What do you have, and of which you need to be grateful?

We can appreciate people

You are who you are today, in a lot of ways, because of people. Your parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, co-workers, etc.

All these have contributed to who you have become today. There will be more people tomorrow, in the next days, weeks, months and years to do the same.

What I’m talking about now are mostly relationships. These are not always good ones. Some are very bad, and we often choose to ignore them.

But, do we express gratitude for all these gifts?

Do you thank God for the food you eat? Are you thankful for the people who even do the little things for you?

Second, we grow, as a result.

Humility is the only path to personal and spiritual growth.

Keeping ourselves on our knees and at the feet of Jesus helps us with self-awareness.

In other words, we learn more about who we are only through humility. As a result, we grow as people of God.

Read this: “In God we live, move and exist…” (Acts 17: 28).

Staying on our knees and at the feet of Jesus means we do three things.

First, we seek God. Second, we reach out to God. Third, we find God. Read Acts 17: 27.

Seeking and reaching out to God are two practices that you and I can do. But, finding God is what God alone can do.

Read Jeremiah 29: 13, “When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you find me.”

For us to find God, we have to do it with all our heart!

Bringing it together

Humility is the first attitude you should have if you claim to be a Christian. It tells others of who you truly are. Humility draws you closer to God and helps you grow, as a result.