The Lowly Baby Jesus

[Jesus], 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. Philippians 2:6–7 (NIV)

Most of us approach humility in one of two ways:

We act like humble looks. We consciously act the way we think humility looks. But, by doing that, we live with a fabricated humility.

We assume we’re unworthy. We assume we’re insignificant, and we live like a Tom Petty-Refugee, as if we’re somehow second-class.

The biblical approach to humility means you understand exactly who you are, but more importantly you understand exactly whose you are and that God has placed you where he wants you for such a time as this. In this way, your humility is not attached to your self-esteem.

In other words, rather than trying to think less of yourself, think more of God.

When you agree with God’s view of you, a Jesus-formed humility emerges in you. Like a lowly baby in a manger, you’re no longer burdened by needing to know all the answers or needing be in control of everything. You are dependent on God and those God sends to help you.

This is the thing: you will succeed in your Jesus-life because of who God is, not because of who you are. He supports you, not because you pretend toward perfection, but because he knows you can’t succeed without him. In your humility he becomes your strength for any task before you. God created you, prepared you, and called you to share the good news for such a time as this.

Praise for Breakfast with Bonhoeffer

Best Christian book this year!! — Jon Walker has managed to share his real life struggles and apply them to the biblical words and understanding of Bonhoeffer. The way he weaves the words of his own story of brokenness with the words of salvation from Jesus Christ teaches us all where our true treasure resides. Mr. Walker shares how he lost his family, financial ruin, and all the while battled mental health demons as he hit bottom. In between anecdotes, he gives us Bonhoeffer’s biblical guidance to inch closer to God, to focus on God, and make God the center of his life. I am buying this book for many of the people I care about for Christmas this year. By jc via Amazon. (Thanks jc!)

This devotional © Copyright 2012 Jon Walker. All rights reserved. Used by permission.