Humility: Be Like Jesus
In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and personal achievement, the virtue of humility stands as a quiet yet powerful counterbalance. Drawn from the very heart of Jesus's teachings, true humility offers us a radical reorientation of our priorities and perspectives.
The essence of humility can be captured in a simple yet profound philosophy: J-esus first. O-thers second. Y-ou last. Live the Life of J.O.Y. This isn't meant to diminish our worth but rather to align our hearts with the One who "did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28).
When we examine Jesus' life, we see humility embodied perfectly. The Creator of the universe was born in a stable. The King of Kings washed His disciples' feet. The Lord of all chose to submit Himself even to death on a Cross. His was not a life seeking prominence, but one lived in perfect service to His Father's will and to the needs of others.
Humility is not self-degradation or false modesty. Rather, it's a truthful assessment of ourselves before God and a willingness to place others' needs above our own. It's recognizing that every blessing we have is a gift, and these gifts are meant to be shared. What matters the most is what we give, not what we keep. Even in compliments and success, you are not an island, humbly share your success.
Practicing humility requires intentional choices in our daily lives. It might mean parking farther from the entrance, allowing someone to go ahead of us in line, or holding a door for a stranger. These small acts may seem insignificant, but they cultivate a spirit that resists our natural tendency toward self-focus.
The challenge of humility is precisely that—it challenges us. Our culture constantly whispers that we should put ourselves first, protect our interests, and ensure we receive what we "deserve." But Jesus calls us to a different way. He assures us that "whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12).
The beautiful paradox of humility is that in choosing to be last, we discover a freedom that self-promotion never provides. When our identity is secure in Christ, we no longer need the validation of being first. We're liberated to serve joyfully, love generously, and walk quietly in the footsteps of our Savior.
True humility doesn't come naturally—it requires GREAT strength and GREAT self-control. It's a daily choice to set aside our own desires and truly see the needs of others. But when practiced consistently, this way of living gradually transforms our hearts until serving others becomes our reflexive response.
I invite you to embrace the challenge of humility, not just for a day, but as a lifelong journey. Begin with small steps—look for opportunities to serve, listen more than you speak, celebrate others' successes as enthusiastically as your own. In time, these practices become habits, and habits become character.
In the quiet practice of humility, we find ourselves drawing closer to the heart of Jesus—and paradoxically, becoming more fully the people we were created to be.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
