For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
When we experience a low moment in life, we might wonder, “Is this all for nothing?” As difficult as life’s challenges can be, we can make it through many things if we know they hold meaning or purpose. We may come to a similar dilemma when we think about a life of humility. We may wonder, “What if all my efforts amount to nothing? What if no one cares about all I do for them?”
When Paul spoke about humility, it wasn’t a purposeless way of life that would lead to burnout but a purposeful life lived with and in obedience to God. Jesus’s perfect humility was rewarded, and His position of glory and honor will be recognized for all eternity. Hebrews 12:1-2 echoes this, “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Like Jesus, we can run this race of life with purpose, knowing it will be costly for us now but worth it in the end. It is for the joy set before us with God that we can sacrifice and serve each day, adopting Christ’s life and way of humility.
- What are some challenges to living a life of humility? When have you been discouraged or burned out after serving others?
- What are some ways we can keep our eyes on the joy set before us as Jesus did? How can that help us persevere?
- Pray and thank God for giving us hope beyond this life. Ask Him to help you remember that hope as you serve and pour into others.
