Happiness and Humility Go Together

In review of Philippians 3:12-13 Paul tells me, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” (NLT).

Paul's goal was to know, be like, and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal absorbed all of Paul's energy. This is a helpful example for me. I too should not let anything take my eyes off of my goal of knowing Christ. I must lay aside everything that is harmful and forsake anything that may distract me from being an effective Christ follower. 

Paul had strong reasons to forget his past for the things he had done before committing himself to Christ. I have done things in my past for which I am ashamed, and have some of the tension of what I have been and what I want to become. Because my hope is in Christ, I can let go of past guilt and look forward to what God will help me become. I don't need to dwell on my past. Instead, I need to continue growing in the knowledge of God by concentrating on my relationship with him now. I am forgiven, so I can move on to a life of faith and obedience. I can look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of my hope in Christ.

When Paul wrote this Scripture, he was an older man in prison in Rome. He was at the end of his life. He was an incredibly mature person. Yet he said he hadn’t arrived. If anybody had the right to say, “I’ve arrived spiritually,” it would be the guy who wrote so much of the New Testament. But Paul said, “No, I haven’t arrived. I’m still growing. I’m still learning. I’m still becoming more like Christ.”

Pride is the trap that will keep me from following Paul’s example and continuing to grow. Pride will keep you from growing because when I pretend I’ve got it all together, I won’t make an effort to become more spiritually mature. No one has it all together! Humility leads to happiness because it will allow me to be teachable.

Happy people never stop growing. Happy people never stop discovering, never stop stretching, never stop learning. If I stop growing, I’ll become miserable because I was meant to grow.

Happiness and humility go together because humble people are teachable. They are always asking, “How can I be a better spouse? How can I be a better friend? How can I be a better boss? How can I be a better follower of Jesus?"

“Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need first hand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it” (2 Corinthians 13:5 The Message).

In summary, I need to press on to possess the perfection for which Christ Jesus first saved me for and wants me to be. I have not yet achieved it, but will focus on one thing: forgetting the past and look forward to what lies ahead. Like Paul, my goal should be to know, be like and be all that Christ has in mind for me. Nothing should take my eyes off of this. Therefore, I need to lay aside everything that is harmful and forsake anything that may distract me from being effective for Christ. Because my hope is in Christ, I can let go of the past and look forward to what God will help me become. I just concentrate on my relationship with him now. I am forgiven, so I can move on to a life of faith and obedience. In growth I need to consider my pride, as it can keep me from growing, (ignoring or pretending to have it all together). In reality, no one has it all together. Humility on my part will lead to happiness because it will allow me to be teachable. Happy people never stop growing, discovering, stretching, or learning. I was meant to grow. So happiness and humility go together because humble people are teachable.  

As I reflect on today’s passage and devotion, I realize that I lose focus on the ultimate goal. I let pride get in my way. I don’t always respond well to criticism or chances to learn. I need to press on toward growing. Happiness in my life will come from my willingness to be humble and teachable for anyone and any situation. This morning Father, I pray for focus on my relationship with you Father and Jesus your Son. I want to be humble, and learn through what you present to me each day. I also ask you for your wisdom and guidance for my day, my leadership, and my interactions with others. Help me to be who you meant me to be. Help me to be of service and to make a difference in the lives of others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen.