stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 2:9-11)

True humility is based on and leads to glorifying God.  Plain and simple.  Thinking of yourself is hard when your mind is fixed on God and His will and glory. This was Jesus’ ultimate goal in the incarnation and crucifixion. Praise God Jesus came to save us! What a win for you and me! Can I get an Amen? However, Jesus’ supreme reason for humbling Himself for others was for God’s glory. Philippians 2:9 begins with “therefore,” pointing us to the result of Jesus’ humility – exaltation. Look at this pattern: Jesus humbled Himself, God exalted Jesus, Jesus glorified God. If we aren’t careful, false humility can lead to false and temporary exaltation resulting in no glorification of God.  

Pride seeks exaltation. When achieved, it is a false exaltation and is short-lived. Everyone likes accolades and compliments. Our flesh eats it up. If our goal in serving others is recognition and applause of others, that’s the only reward we get – and it is fleeting and unfulfilling! The same people who pump you up can also burst your bubble.  We can either receive God’s exaltation or man’s but not both. Humility seeks God’s glory. In proper perspective (the mind of Christ), the person who humbly serves and receives exaltation from God desires to return it to God in praise and glorify Him. Our actions can either be people-pleasing or God-glorifying. The result of the former, while possibly feeling good now, will end in total disappointment. The result of the latter, while perhaps lacking feeling good now, will end in complete and eternal fulfillment.

Jesus sacrificially and humbly served because He knew “every knee would bow” and “every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (vv. 10-11).  He was confident that every part of His life would be lived to God’s glory. One day, everyone must recognize that Jesus is Lord and His Kingdom is about God’s glory, not ours.  Jesus desired to live that truth voluntarily.  Hopefully, our desire and actions are not for self-exaltation.  Christ’s purpose in humiliation wasn’t “woe is me” but “Great is God.” His purpose in exaltation wasn’t “look at me” but “look at God.” We see this in Jesus’ words in John 17:1, “Father, the hour is come. Glorify your Son so Your Son may also glorify You.” When Jesus was glorified, He let it go to God, not ego.  The person who practices their self-exaltation before others has their reward (Matthew 6:1). The person who lives for the exaltation of Christ lives out 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” 

Questions for the Head (Think)

• What is your ultimate motive for serving others?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Let the Lord search your motives as you pray and read Philippians 2:5-11.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• If you have identified areas of service where your motive is more people-pleasing or self-exalting, allow the Lord to show you how to repent and change for His glory.