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“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…”

– Philippians 2:3–5

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This week, I’ve asked Zach Meerkreebs, a friend of mine, to share some words with us. Zach preached the sermon that became a catalyst for the Asbury Revival (a sermon he called a “stinker”). He is a man of kindness, depth, humor, and prayer.

 

I am finding that there is nothing more captivating, counter-cultural, or compelling than this foundational characteristic of Christ: His humility. 

Humility is a beautiful golden thread through the story of God that culminates in the incarnation of Jesus, his humility to descend and release all of His rights, reputation, entitlements, and come in the form of a man…oh wait not just a man but a servant…and OH WAIT, not just a servant but one who would die…OH my, not just die but die a criminal’s death on the cross to cover our sins and offer us friendship with him for eternity. (Philippians 2)

Christ’s humility is our hope and our feeble humility (as his church) gives us hope as well. Proverbs tells us that God scorns prideful mockers (retreating from people who think they know better) but draws near, gives grace, and offers favor to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). 

Luke 18 also paints a picture that impacts our prayer life, confronting those who rely on their own righteousness . . . a prideful Pharisee praying beautiful and impressive prayers, and an icky tax-collector begging God for mercy. Which one goes home honored as righteous? The humble and desperate man begging for mercy. So if humility offers us a promise of proximity, grace, and favor in our relationship with our Savior, let’s go there.

ResponD

Humility is not so much a place we arrive at but something we pursue. Pursuing a lowliness that resembles Jesus takes intentionality. I would love to share some practical steps we can take in our pursuit:

• Celebrate: Through adoration and gratitude, celebrate what God has done and who He is to you. (Psalm 100:4)
• Confront: Invite God to address you and the areas of your life rooted in an expression of pride. (Psalm 139:23, 24)
• Confess: Spend a moment confessing the things God reveals: pride, selfishness, idols, comparison, competition, etc. (Proverbs 28:13)
• Consecrate: Invite God to help you set apart your life and day for His purposes and not your own. (Romans 12:1, 2)
• Commission: Ask God to form His Character in you (e.g., the counter-cultural characteristic of humility) so you reflect Him in your everyday moments. (Matthew 5:13–16)

Closing Thoughts

In his wonderful book Humility, Andrew Murray wrote, “Here is the path to the higher life: down, lower down! Just as water always seeks and fills the lowest place, so the moment God finds men abased and empty, His glory and power flow in to exalt and to bless.” 

If the Lord is pouring out, I desire to be a lower and empty place for Him to fill and puddle up. The lie is that humbling ourselves will feel more like humiliation and pain, but really, it’s going to a place where we can find and experience much more of the one we worship and serve, Jesus.

Would you allow God to take your hand, and your heart, and lead you lower into humility today?

 

Going lower with you,

Zach (Addison’s buddy)

 

 

P.S. Addison here…if this prayer guide spoke to you and you’d like to learn more about the beautifully difficult journey of humility that we’re all on, I encourage you to pick up Zach’s book and the free workbook here.