Text: Philippians 2:5-11, John 13:3-7
We totally fight over leadership at my house. My husband is a wise, careful stick-in-the-mud, but I’m adamant about all my adorable opinions, no matter how frivolous, so we often disagree. We try to teach our children about the structure of biblical leadership, and my three-year-old is always reminding me that I’m not the boss of God. I know that, you stinker.
I assert my authority by hollering, “Will somebody let the dog in?!” My husband asserts his authority by sending “EVERYONE to bed!” You know, we’re working on it. But my husband and I have this great boss from Wisconsin who displays his leadership by quietly coming alongside us and asking, “What can I do to support you? How can I clear a way for you?” And that, darlings, is leadership, right?
I want to march around and trumpet my toot-de-doo horn to make sure everyone knows about my glorious and magisterial leadership abilities. If I were to wash someone’s feet—or feed the hungry, or take care of a hurting family—I would probably Instagram about it, just to make sure the girls I went to high school with know I’m finally awesome.
Providentially, we don’t have to flounder and flail, wondering what leadership should look like. You don’t have to look at me or the checkout clerks at Costco; we get to look at Christ. And His leadership is so unexpected.
He came humbly: He emptied himself of His glory, and became a man with no form or loveliness that we should be drawn to Him (Isaiah 53:2).
He came quietly: He did not parade the streets, or appear before kings in majesty. His angels appeared only to the lowest of the low (Luke 2:8-12).
He came to serve: Though he could have rightfully conquered by force and pomp, He laid himself at our feet (our feet!) and showed us that the greatest leadership is not command, but service.
As we navigate the Christmas season with our friends, loves, bosses, employees, and all those tired checkout clerks, let’s remember the leadership of Christ. Tread humbly, quietly, and with the heart of a servant.
By God’s grace, may we embody the heart of Christ as beautifully framed in this old hymn:
Love consecrates the humblest act
And haloes mercy’s deeds;
It sheds a benediction sweet
And hallows human needs.
When in the shadow of the cross
Christ knelt and washed the feet
Of His disciples He gave us
A sign of love complete.
Love serves and willing stoops to serve;
What Christ in love so true
Has freely done for one and all,
Let us now gladly do!
– Silas B. McManus, 1902
For an added layer of worship during this sweet season of adoration and expectation, we’ve created a Spotify playlist for Advent 2014! You can find the complete SheReadsTruth | O Come Let Us Adore Him playlist at this link, or listen to today’s track on the player below. Enjoy!
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51 thoughts on "The Humility of Christ"
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Such a great devotional. Thanks for giving me something to focus on. “Tread humbly, quietly, and with the heart of a servant.” Love it!
I wonder why all the comments I have seen here are two years old. (Or a blink of God’s eye ago.) Maybe because He knows I notice little things. So did Jesus. He noticed the least of us. I try. I fail. He knows.
You are so right, Forrest. He does know. And He is pleased with you.
I have to remember that we don’t have to share every time we do something awesome for others as we serve The Lord- He already knows, and that’s the only thing that matters!
oh wow. I am not even through reading this study and I am wondering if this is me writing these words. it so completely could be. I love how God can minister to just what I want to, need, and must hear/read through another’s words.
After I was commanding about my morning I stopped to read this devo. God is funny like that.
The greatest leadership is not command but service. This is something very interesting to me because as an Army officer I equate leadership with command even outside my work. Never thought about the “service” dimension of leadership. Definitely something to ponder about.
A great study today! (a day behind
Amen and praise his holy name!
I have loved every aspect of this study! Thank you all for sharing! ❤️
Reminders to be humble are often hard to hear, especially for me, but always more than needed. Thanks!
I love this on-the-ground application towards the real people we come in contact with in this Christmas season. Helps to remember that the people we spurn are those He came to serve, and loved enough to die for.
He came to serve. Of all people, He could truly have claimed the “I have rights” card. But He didn’t. He humbled himself. He came to serve. To be used. To help and love. This is what leadership should look like. But how often do I get distracted by “power” and “rights”. And completely lose my ability to show God to others.
I love the reminder that our long awaited King came as a helpless babe in a manger. The son of God truly became a man to enable men to become sons of God. (Paraphrase of CS Lewis)
We just got back from attending a modern retelling of the Christmas story at our church. I am always moved by the part where they build up to this king the nation if Israel has waited for, this savior. And then the music and singing stop suddenly and all you hear is a baby's cry. It reminds me under what humbling conditions our savior entered the world. It reminds me that Christ lived a human life, that he wasn't a superhero with a cape and the ability to fly or be invisible or anything like that. It reminds that, as a human too, I can follow His example. I pray that I can be a better servant leader full of humility and less of a horn-tooting trying to be super woman leader.
Reminds me of the beautiful song we sing at church, “The servant king.” Oh how Jesus amazes me! This devotion was perfect for a day when I’m tired and cranky and don’t feel like serving others at all. Now to bringing that before the throne of grace, so that I can find the help I need to change my attitude and be a servant this day. Thank you!
Absolutely loved this and needed to hear it! Also- hope you make the McManus quote a printable:)
Please get off my toes!!! It’s hurts!
You totally made me giggle. It does hurt, doesn’t it?!
Whoa! I totally thought I had this Advent thing down this year. You know, peaceful heart, expectancy, peaceful heart…ummm… I literally just walked in the door after a big old argument with my husband in the CHURCH parking lot. Yep. That's me with the peaceful heart. Oh how I needed to be knocked down off my high horse. The Scripture for today and the thoughts from Rebecca cut straight to the truth that in my flesh I don't want to hear. But in my heart, driven by the Spirit, I NEED to hear. Thanks again, She Reads Truth, for listening to God's voice and for speaking straight up truth to us!! You bless!!!
Yes!!!! Love this post from you — we are ALL there, sister.
Can so relate Sarah! So thankful for His mercy and grace. Merry Christmas to you!!!!
Aaaahhhh! I read this yesterday morning and still had a big fat fail with my family last night. I'm thankful to be a work in progress, although, I wish I was closer to where I want to be with the Lord.
We often speak of Christ’s sacrifice at the cross, but He also sacrificed much to be born in human form and walk this earth as a man, while still fully God, living an incredibly humble life of service and example.
Many years ago, I had stepped down from being assistant to our women’s ministry director. In that role, I had a good amount of clout. I was actually feeling rather sad that I was losing that clout (can you say big ugly PRIDE?!?). I remarked to my husband that I felt like nothing in our church. I remember so clearly how Jesus spoke to my heart, saying, “I became nothing for you.” WHOA. That stopped me dead in my tracks, wiped the ugly pride right off my face, and humbled me where I most needed it.
Yes! I think about all the DISCOMFORT (whether physical, mental, relational, or emotional) He would’ve experienced as a man. It gives me encouragement and comfort to keep pouring myself out for others, even when I find it extremely uncomfortable to do so.
As I read this I am reflecting on my own ways of expressing my authority , my leadership or as I am quickly realizing… My need to feel in control! The more that becomes evident that I need to surrender, leave at the feet of Jesus and turn and walk away, I start getting selective on what I'm really willing to release control of. As if my holding on is going to be the agent of change! Lord please forgive me for my control issues. Help me to build the courage to let go of it all and trust you to take care of it. Help me to be grateful for the prayers answered but for continued patience and surrender as You continue to work. I've been in a season of waiting for a long time now but Your timing is perfect.
This biblical mindset of leadership is so the opposite of what the world teaches. It is such a good reminder of how we should be leading and living!
Becky, I apologize! I went to "thumb up" your comment as an indication that I agree with what you said, and my finger slipped. I accidentally "thumb down"-ed it instead. I realize such ratings are unnecessary and frivolous, but still… It is so hard to wrap my mind around such servant leadership, because I've bought into the world's teaching on leadership for far too long. And it isn't just about servant leadership. As you said, it is about servant living. Have a blessed Christmas week!
Amen!
So thankful for the advent readings this season. Thank you to those who have shared of yourselves in the comments. Today’s message really spoke to me…it is a blessing to serve others. I am very fortunate that I am able to do it. After a little breakdown last night I am ready to lead thru service…not wishing for or expecting acknowledgement.
Thanks for sharing this. So honest. So hilarious. I needed it.
Can I just tell you how much I am loving this study!! It’s so eye opening, and I’m learning so much about what “I” need to do. Dear Lord please help me and all these wonderful women in this study to apply these things in our daily lives. Thank you for loving us so much that you came “low” for us. You didn’t use your equality with God to your advantage, when you could have at any time! Go with us today Lord, and let us serve. Xo
“He laid himself at our feet (our feet!) and showed us that the greatest leadership is not command, but service.” That’s so beautiful.
I read this out loud to my husband today!! An excellent perspective to have during advent and also a goal we will carry through the new year!
I feel I can be so proud sometimes – and when I am convicted of it, I just shake my head, because anything that I do is not something to be proud about it. It's not me that should ever get the glory. Now, I'm going to remember the "toot-de-doo horn" when those proud feelings come on..
Reading in Philippians 2 reminded me of this song:
Sovereign Grace Music – Name Above All Names https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUpWdjsr-HE
He came humbly.
where am i still hanging on to pride and wanting things my way?
He came quietly.
when do I need to be muted so I can hear Him and others better?
He came to serve.
why do i fight being emptied for others and when i do serve often grumble through it?
Oh Father. forgive my wandering heart. save me from myself and my bent to sin. keep reminding me of your love and your example of leading through serving. amen.
Amen!
Beautiful prayer and reflections I need in my own life! Thanks for sharing.
Kendall, you always put so perfectly, thank you.
I’m going to write these questions in my journal to daily reflect. Thank you!
This passage in Philippians has been coming up a lot for me this Advert season. What a beautiful reminder of what Christ gave up to save us.
So counterintuitive. So HARD for me. But He set – he sets – the perfect example. Looking to Him as I lead.
I cracked up at your "little stinker" three year old, since I have a "little stinker" 5 and 8 year old. I'm sure their 2 year old sibling will be one, as well. I have to giggle at how "a child will lead them." I also identify with the hollering to get something done, rather than quietly going to where they are to ask them to do what needs to be done. And I understand when and why I began doing that, since, when all my kids were younger, if I entered a room, they thought they had to have my immediate attention, and it seemed easier just to bark requests from another room than to "waste" time getting them settled…. again. But I digress…. especially since my reasons for loud and lofty "leadership" aren't valid or good reasons in the first place.
This post has given me great pause this morning. As I wrestle through God's calling on my and my family's lives, I want to move forward in humility, not for my own purposes, but for the purposes of Christ. Thank you for this much needed reminder to approach EVERYONE with humility, not just those we lead regularly, but especially at this exhausting time of year.
My takeaway. The greatest leadership is not command but service. God grant me the ability to remember that. Amen!!!
"Tread humbly, quietly and with the heart of a servant." Amen.
I can relate, Rebecca, to the tendency to serve for attention. I often serve to rack up some people-pleasing points. With that motive, the only thing I serve is my pride. That passage in Philippians 2 has been a constant reminder to serve as Jesus did–for the sake of others, not for myself. It is a shift from serving because I love myself to serving because I love others. "Love consecrates the humblest act."
This is a great reminder especially before the holidays and spending tons of time with family – that I should imitate Christ and go before my family humbly to serve.
Thanks be to God that we have a Savior who would lower himself to exalt us!