Happiness Will Come From Practicing Harmony and Humility

In review of Philippians 2:6-8 it says, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

Bottom Line:

Christ was God, however gave up this divine privilege to become a humble servant. He was born as a human and then humbled himself, being fully obedient to God, even to the point of dying a criminal’s death on a cross.

What this means to me:

Christ himself was God in everything. He did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit, instead, of his own free will, he gave up his divine privileges taking on the humble position of a servant, where he was born a man and appeared in human likeness, dwelling with us. He humbled himself in life and was fully obedient to God; to the point of his death, dying a criminal’s death on a cross. Rick Warren points out that happiness comes from harmony, and harmony comes from humility. If I want to be a humble person, I need to learn to ask myself some questions: “What would Jesus do?” What would Jesus do in this problem? What would Jesus do for that person who’s hurting? What would Jesus do at the office? At Starbucks? What would Jesus do in my marriage? In response to these questions, Jesus would come up with a humble answer that builds harmony and happiness rather than difficulty, defeat, bitterness, and resentment. To act like Jesus, Philippians 2 provides three examples:

First, I’m not to demand what I think I deserve. Philippians 2:6 says, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to” (NLT). It’s very counter cultural in our world to give up my right to something. I have rights, but there’s a better way to get my needs met than demanding my rights. I can be tender without surrender, and I can be understanding without demanding.

Secondly, I am to look for ways that I can serve. Philippians 2:7 says, “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” If I want to be like and imitate Jesus, I need to learn how to serve with my life.

Lastly, I’m to do what’s right even when it’s painful. Philippians 2:8 says, “He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

Jesus is the ultimate example and model of humility. For this God gave him the greatest honor in the universe. God will honor my humility as well when I follow Jesus’ example and adopt and do these same things. Today I will not demand what I deserve, I’ll look for ways to serve, and I’ll do the right thing, even if it’s causes me pain. This week at work, I’m conducting mid-year reviews. I will make talking with my team, getting caught up with them after my leave-of-absence, a way to serve them based on feedback I get from them. I will be honest in their performance and communicate weaknesses that need to be developed, even though it would be easier not to deal with it.