And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8
We can all experience a touch of self-importance at times, and at other times we question our own self-worth. In the secular setting, self-esteem is built up or knocked down by looking inward and assessing our value in the world. In the setting of God’s kingdom, our sense of self comes from looking outward, toward Christ.
The Lord Jesus could have asserted His power and dominance openly. Instead, He chose obedience to the Father and humbled Himself for the good of everyone else. He counted the needs of those around Him far more important than His own (v4). It has been said that humility is not thinking less of yourself, but rather, thinking of yourself less. James follows this thought by asking:
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 (NIV)
In other words, true wisdom and knowledge expresses itself not in arrogance but in gentleness toward others.
There is no place for arrogance or pride in the heart of the Christian, for that does not bring pleasure to God in any way. Scripture calls us to something altogether different: we are to clothe ourselves with heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Col 3:12)
Just because we need to relinquish self-importance doesn’t mean we are not important. We have worth, we have value, and we are extremely important to God; it just has nothing to do with our own achievements or accomplishments.
Jesus followed the will of the Father and because of His obedience, God highly exalted Him. Likewise, when we follow Christ’s example and choose to be humble, we also will be exalted in God’s time.
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