Real Humility In Action

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 11:5, Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they related to him the words of the men of Jabesh.

Although King Saul’s end was not admirable, his beginnings were a great example of what humility looks like. Samuel had already anointed him king and the announcement had been officially made before all of Israel, and confirmed by God Himself. Yet, here we find King Saul in the last place you would expect to find a king; still working in the field. He did not immediately begin to exalt himself or take away from Samuel that which still belonged to Samuel in his role as God’s prophet. This will change later on in his life, but right now he is demonstrating what humility looks like in action. Saul modeled for us what was said of Jesus in Philippians 2:5-8, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, did not come and exalt Himself as God and King, even though He had every right and had the power to do so. Instead, He chose humility and submission, and allowed His Father to exalt Him in due time, as we are told in Philippians 2:9-11. It reads, “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” What does this look like in our lives as God’s children, who are supposed to be growing to be more and more like our Lord and Savior? If we are truly seeking to be as humble as Jesus in the way we live, then it will show in every aspect of our lives. Whether we are at home, at work, at play, or just dealing with a complete stranger as we carry out the duties and tasks of the day, humility will shine bright in the way we treat others. It will shine bright in the way we carry out our responsibilities and what tasks we are willing to undertake. Ephesians 4:1-3 says, “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Philippians 2:3-4 further instructs, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Is there any task that we are not willing to undertake, simply because we are “too good” to do it? Do we come across to others as if certain task or duties are beneath us? Jesus, God Himself, our Lord, did not think it beneath Him to wash the dirty and most likely stinky feet of His disciples. As a matter of fact, let us read what is said of that particular incident. In John 13:2-5 it says, “During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, 4 got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. 5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” Did anyone observe what just happened? Not only did Jesus humble himself by taking off his own garments and putting on a towel, which He used to dry the disciples’ feet, he also poured the water Himself, and washed the feet of ALL the disciples. He did not just wash the feet of the eleven that did not betray Him. He washed the feet of His betrayer, Judas Iscariot. Jesus, knowing what Judas was about to do, humbled Himself at the feet of His betrayer and showed him the love of Jesus, up close and personal. How many of us can honestly say that we can demonstrate that kind of love and humility? I have to admit, that this would be really difficult to do. King Saul, even though already king of Israel, did not think it beneath him to continue working in the field, even as king. If we are to demonstrate true humility in our lives, then we will see others as better than ourselves, and we will tackle any task that needs to get done, regardless of how menial it may seem. Ultimately, all we do for others or anything we take on, we do as servants of Jesus, not men, for the purpose of honoring and exalting Jesus in our lives.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).