Daily Devotion: A Humble Heart

Scripture:
Philippians 2: 1-11

Main Verse:
Philippians 2: 3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Observation:
Social media is so popular these days that telling others about your status, opinions, and thoughts is already considered an ordinary thing. We like writing our opinions about a topic posted online, and when someone sort of attacks our views, or "bashes" us, we retaliate by saying hurtful words to those who have criticized our views. I am not a fan of posting comments online. Not that I don't have my personal views, but I find it so stressful to see so much anger and hatred and negativity from replies I get from my comments when in fact, I just want to share my views. It is so easy to hide one's identity in social media and fabricate a new person, one where you can be who you want to be.

And then there's our habit of posting about our daily activities--the picture of the food that we ate, the new pair of shoes that we bought, the expensive gift our significant other gave to us--and complement that with #blessed. Don't get me wrong. It is not bad to post something on social media. I believe we are all guilty of this habit because some part of our human nature yearns to be recognized and respected, or to be popular and given privileges. It is pride that tells us we are better than others.

Application:
As followers of Christ, the Lord wants us to practice humility in everything. He wants us to forget about our rank, refrain from seeking admiration from others, and let go of our I-have-my-rights attitude. Let us remember that Jesus, although He was God, let go of his position as the Father's Son and came here on earth as man. He was entitled to be called God, but He let the Jews call Him a blasphemer, a glutton and a drunkard. His family called Him a lunatic. Religious leaders called Him a liar. But Jesus did not care. He did not get back at them. He came into this world not to be recognized, not to be offered benefits or privileges, not to be popular. He came here to serve us all. May we have the same kind of thinking as Jesus, having a humble heart and attitude for the time will come when our Father in heaven himself will exalt us!

Prayer:
Lord, your life is my greatest example. Thank you for showing me what it means to have a humble heart, and for reminding me that I am not of this world anymore. Lord, may I always remember that Your desire for me to grow in your likeneness is the most important thing. Thank you for telling me that it is not what I want that truly matters, but what our Father in heaven wants. Thank you for your Word. Thank you for your presence. All praises and glory to your Holy Name alone. AMEN.