Humility Leads to Happiness
By Rick Warren
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8 (NLT)
Happiness comes from harmony, and harmony comes from humility. Jesus is your ultimate example of humility. So if you want to be a happy, humble person, you have to learn to ask yourself: “What would Jesus do?”
What would Jesus do in this problem? What would Jesus do for that person who’s hurting? What would Jesus do at the office, on the golf course, or in your marriage?
When you ask what Jesus would do, your answer will always be a humble one that builds harmony and happiness rather than difficulty, defeat, bitterness, and resentment.
So, what does it mean to act like Jesus?
1. Don’t demand what you think you deserve. Philippians 2:6 says, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to” (NLT).
Do you know how countercultural it is to give up your right to something? Yes, you have rights, but demanding your rights isn’t the best way to get your needs met. You can be tender without surrender; you can be understanding without demanding.
2. Look for ways you can serve. Philippians 2:7 says, “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being” (NLT).
If you want to be like Jesus, you have to learn to serve. If you’re uncertain how or where to serve, analyze your SHAPE and look at the needs around you.
3. Do what’s right, even when it’s painful. Philippians 2:8 says, “He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (NLT).
Jesus is the ultimate model of humility. In fact, Philippians goes on to say that, because of Jesus’ humility, “God elevated him to the place of highest honor” (Philippians 2:9 NLT).
When you follow Jesus’ example, God will honor your humility too with harmony and happiness.
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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