Humility

Humility is a fundamental virtue in Christian theology, often characterized by a modest view of one's own importance and a recognition of one's dependence on God. The Bible consistently emphasizes humility as a key attribute of a faithful believer. In the Old Testament, humility is often associated with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 22:4 states, "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life."

The New Testament further develops the concept of humility, particularly through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In Philippians 2:3-4 , the Apostle Paul exhorts believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage highlights the selfless nature of true humility, which seeks the welfare of others above personal gain.

Jesus Himself is the ultimate model of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Christ, though being in the form of God, "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." This profound act of humility is central to the Christian understanding of salvation and serves as a pattern for believers to emulate.

Servanthood

Servanthood in the Bible is closely linked to humility and is exemplified by a life of service to God and others. The concept of servanthood is rooted in the character of God, who is depicted as a shepherd and caretaker of His people. In the New Testament, servanthood is elevated as a defining characteristic of Christian discipleship.

Jesus' teachings frequently emphasize the importance of serving others. In Mark 10:43-45 , Jesus instructs His disciples, "But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This passage underscores the countercultural nature of Christian greatness, which is measured by one's willingness to serve rather than to be served.

The early church embraced servanthood as a core aspect of its communal life. Acts 6:1-4 describes the appointment of deacons to serve the needs of the community, ensuring that the apostles could focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. This division of labor highlights the value placed on service within the body of Christ.

The Apostle Paul frequently identifies himself as a "servant of Christ Jesus" (Romans 1:1), indicating his commitment to serving the Lord and His church. In Galatians 5:13 , Paul exhorts believers, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This call to serve one another in love reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which frees believers to live selflessly for the benefit of others.

In summary, humility and servanthood are intertwined virtues that lie at the heart of the Christian faith. They are exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and are essential qualities for those who seek to follow Him. Through humility and servanthood, believers are called to reflect the character of Christ and to participate in the redemptive work of God in the world.