The act of thinking of others before yourself is the blessing of humility. I know a friend with significant accomplishments in God’s Kingdom, yet he would be the last person to tell you about them. The Apostle Paul tells us the importance of humility.
Philippians 2:3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. [1] What if you asked the Lord to help you grow in humility? How would being humble make a difference in your life and those around you?
Esther Had a Humble Heart
Esther would one day become queen of the Medo-Persian Empire, but her humble heart and character grew out of her faith that defined her life. When the King reviewed women to be selected as queen, each young lady would go before the King. Esther would win the king’s favor not just in outward appearance but also in what was inside.
Esther 2:15 Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who was Mordecai’s uncle. (Mordecai had adopted his younger cousin Esther.) When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her. [2]
In a Biblical understanding, humility comes from trusting in God and putting our future into the hands of our Savior. The Lord’s ways and plans are higher and better than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) Esther demonstrated a teachable spirit when she took advice from Hegai. To do this, she had to humble herself under his guidance. Throughout the book of Esther, her humble heart continues to impact those around her.
The Humility of Jesus
Our Lord is so humble that He gave up His home in heaven to come down in the muck and mire to rescue us from our sins. Everything about Jesus coming into this world speaks to His humility. Instead of being born to wealthy, influential parents, Jesus was born in a stable to poor parents. As Jesus grew up, he worked alongside Joseph as a simple carpenter.
Then, Jesus’ most significant act of humility was when He died on the cross for our sins. Jesus suffered physically and spiritually on the cross to free us from sin. He gave everything for you and me, including His life. He put all of us before Himself. Wow! Meditating on what Jesus did for me on the cross always makes me thankful.
To learn more about the blessings of humility, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-new-queen
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.