In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Philippians 2:5-7

In this passage, Paul exhorts the Philippians to take on the mindset of Christ, specifically His humility.
What is humility? Humility can be defined as the absence of pride. C.S. Lewis describes humility not as thinking less of ourselves, but as thinking of ourselves less.

Jesus was not a passive victim, but He was humble. He fully and willingly entered into His mission. The one who is God emptied Himself of all glory and honor to become a human being, born in a lowly stable. He chose to call fishermen and a despised tax collector to be His disciples. In His ministry, He recognized the marginalized and unacceptable, choosing to heal the leper, the blind and the deaf, and teaching children. He humbled himself to the point of dying a slave’s death, the shameful and torturous form of execution reserved for slaves and rebels against the Roman rule.

So how do I show humility? Do I put others’ needs before my own? Do I give up my ‘right to be right’? Am I open to constructive criticism? Am I a good listener, listening more and speaking less? Do I give up my time to serve others?

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

Daily Reading: Proverbs 10

– Contributed by Vickie Petersen