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Give Yourself This Humility Checkup

By July 6, 2020Blog

For many of us, we’ve stepped into foster care because we care about people. We care about serving and caring for those around us.

Even if you aren’t directly involved in the foster care community, loving those around us is an example that Jesus set for us to follow in John 13:15.

After humbling himself and lovingly washing his disciples’ feet, he encourages us to follow his example and serve one another.

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you,” Jesus says.

Jesus never placed himself in a position above others. He led and loved by serving. He washed feet. He fed thousands. He walked to visit and heal the sick and dead. He stopped to touch and heal a sick woman. He spent time with those no one else cared to spend time with. Jesus lived a life of humility.

Jesus showed us that serving others and humility go hand in hand.

Paul writes this in Philippians 2:3-5:

“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.”

Serving others is more than keeping up with your to-do list. To be a servant means we genuinely need to care about people. It’s keeping our eyes, hearts, and schedules open for the Holy Spirit to speak to us. Jesus was not stressed by time, what others thought of him, or a list of tasks to accomplish each day. Jesus was led by the Spirit and followed his promptings to serve, love, and help others. No task was ever beneath Jesus, and no person was ever unworthy.

Paul also writes this in Galatians 5:13:

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

Serving others and genuine love go hand in hand. But what exactly does that look like? How do we genuinely love? What about when it’s hard? How do we let go of our to-do list? How do we position ourselves to act humbly?

Give yourself this humility checkup:

Check your heart.

Be open to Jesus working, stretching, and changing your heart. This may bring out some things you need to address and work on, but it will be worth it! He can change your heart, soften the edges, and teach you to love others with kindness and compassion.

Check your schedule.

Are you keeping things on your list because of appearances? Allow God to free up your time. Ask him to show you each day what needs to be done and what can be set aside.

Check yourself.

Think about the needs of others and how you can place them before your own. Do you see a struggling mom at the store? Let her get in line before you. Does your neighbor need help with his or her lawn? Take care of it for him or her.

Check your spirit.

Follow God’s prompting and leading when going about your day. If you feel like you should stop and serve, do it. This doesn’t necessarily mean you take on every opportunity presented to you. Pray. Ask God, then listen and do what He says.

Mitch Nelson

Whether he is drinking coffee or coming up with new ideas, Mitch is always looking for new ways TFI can grow. He is very involved at his church, Compass Church, and has led in both creative and pastoral ministries over the last several years. He and his wife Becky were married in April of 2018, and together they enjoy camping, live music, black coffee, and good books.

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