I was so proud of my homemade peach pie made from our homegrown peaches. Before serving it, I held it high making sure everyone saw the masterpiece I created.

Later, I felt that little God-twinge, the Holy Spirit correcting me. I wasn’t exactly reflecting an attitude of humility now, was I. Apparently, it was time for some humble pie. (Below is someone else’s online photo.)

Humility is a tough lesson to learn. Like most of Christ’s characteristics, it takes a lot of trial and error.

The book of Philippians includes a beautiful example of humility as demonstrated by Jesus. Before he begins, Paul reminds believers “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5 NIV). Then Paul details what ultimate humility looks like.

• Even though Jesus was fully God, He “made himself nothing” (2:6-7a).
• Jesus became human, having the nature of a servant (2:7b).
• As a man, Jesus died a criminal’s death on a cross (2:8).

That doesn’t even include Jesus’ humble attitude and responses to all the horrible things said and done to Him during His ministry. Did Jesus boast about healing others, feeding thousands, or raising the dead? Never. He was not one to crave the limelight. When put on the spot by religious leaders and Pilate, He remained silent or spoke very little. His purpose was to bring glory to His heavenly Father and do the work He was sent to do. Simply put, Jesus put others above Himself as seen when He died for our sins.

Being humble is countercultural. God’s Word encourages us with this.

• “Be completely humble and gentle” (Ephesians 4:2a).
• “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).

May the Lord help us be humble.