“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross”. – Philippians 2:7(KJV)
Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour is humility personified. He is a complete example of a humble disposition. Unlike most religious leaders he did not show off his person but took the form of a servant, humbled himself was obedient unto death even the death of the cross. He demonstrated his unequalled love for us when he took our place in such a humble manner to pay the price of our sins. He laid down his life notwithstanding that in him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily, been head of principality and power yet took the position of a servant made in the likeness of men to redeem. He became a man of sorrow so we can have joy. His humility paid off in his highly exalted position “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father”. Phil. 2:9-11.
The bible says “Pride goeth before destruction, and haughty spirit before a fall” – Prov. 16:18(KJV). “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit”. – Prov. 29:23(KJV). We can see this scriptures play out in the greatest contrast in history The bible says in Isaiah 14:12-15(KJV) “How art thou fallen from heaven O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I wil sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit”. From the above examples we can see that Christ humility earned him exaltation while Satan’s pride produced disgrace, humiliation and degradation.
Pride is a product of complex. It ruptures destiny and deflates an individuals. It is alien to love and operates in the hate realm. In the contrary humility operates in the realm of love and abhors hatred. It is a product of a confident personality. Pride has been the undoing of many people in their relationship. The tiny arrows of pride have shot down many vibrant and anointed ministers of the gospel. Individuals had suffered setbacks because of pride. We need to take our bearing from Christ. He performed many outstanding miracles and yet remain humble and obedient unto death. No element of pride could be traceable to him. If we are his disciple let us therefore emulate his humble personality. Humility exalts and gives life, while pride degrades and kills.
Prayer: O Lord grant me the grace to remain humble and obedient to you.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo