Christmas Message – Being Humble
18th December 2018
At this time of year we are reminded about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. And although Jesus is almighty God he was born into our world in humble circumstances. He was also a king but he was not born in a palace surrounded by riches and splendour. Instead he was born in a stable with a manger for a bed and this was deliberate because God wanted us to learn about the importance of being humble.
Jesus is not your typical king. Unlike other kings, Jesus, in His first coming, was a servant king. He is an example to us of how we as believers are to behave. And he emphasised this point in Chapter 13 of Johns Gospel when he washed the feet of the disciples and told them that like Him they were to be servants.
In Philippians 2:5-8 Paul says, ‘Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.’ Jesus humbled himself and Paul tells us that we are to do the same. The only true attitude of believers is to be humble; to be servants. In God’s kingdom there is only one king and Lord and that is Jesus. In the kingdom and in the church there is no place for masters or lords. We are all meant to be servants of one another.
In 2 Chronicles 7:14 we read that God said to Solomon, ‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.’ From this we can see that God will listen to us and bless us when we humble ourselves. But pride, which is the opposite of humility, is very different. In Proverbs 11:2 we read, ‘When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.’ And we are told in James 4:6, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’
I could give even more examples of the contrast between being humble and being proud. But I hope you can see now that God does not want us to be proud but to be humble. We are not to seek titles and honours or positions of prestige. We are not here to make a name for ourselves or to leave a legacy. Instead we are to humbly serve the Lord Jesus out of love and gratitude. So this Christmas I hope you will take some time to meditate on the humble beginnings and earthly ministry of Jesus and follow His example in your attitude and the way you live your life.
Peace be with you.
Mike and Suzanne Ashton