The Jesus Way
Empowered by Honor and Humility
Have you ever struggled to be humble while also trying to celebrate all that God has done? Maybe you prayed for someone’s healing, and when they were healed, you were unsure how to talk about it without seeming prideful. After all, it’s God’s power at work, but sometimes, when sharing these moments with others, it can feel like you’re boasting in yourself rather than in Him.
It’s a fine line, isn’t it? We all want to share what God has done, but we don’t want it to seem like we’re taking credit for His work. But the answer isn’t to just stay silent about the goodness of God, right?
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “Pastor OJ, what are you even talking about?”
But this is something many believers wrestle with: how do you celebrate and glorify God without making it about you?
It’s a fine line, isn’t it? We all want to share what God has done, but we don’t want it to seem like we’re taking credit for His work. But the answer isn’t to just stay silent about the goodness of God, right?
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “Pastor OJ, what are you even talking about?”
But this is something many believers wrestle with: how do you celebrate and glorify God without making it about you?
Jesus: The Ultimate Example
Let’s look at Philippians 2:6-11. Though Jesus was equal with God, He didn’t cling to His divine privileges. Instead, He took on the form of a servant, humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross. Because of this, God exalted Him, giving Him a name above all others.
In our modern world, this makes no sense. In fact, it’s completely contrary to the world’s understanding of power and success. But Jesus shows us how to attain true wisdom, power, and favor.
Hint: It has a lot to do with honor and humility and it starts with understanding obedience!
Let’s look at Philippians 2:6-11. Though Jesus was equal with God, He didn’t cling to His divine privileges. Instead, He took on the form of a servant, humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross. Because of this, God exalted Him, giving Him a name above all others.
In our modern world, this makes no sense. In fact, it’s completely contrary to the world’s understanding of power and success. But Jesus shows us how to attain true wisdom, power, and favor.
Hint: It has a lot to do with honor and humility and it starts with understanding obedience!
A Heart of True Obedience
You might think that obedience is just about following rules, but true, biblical obedience stems from a deep love and respect for God.
Think of it as the difference between obeying the speed limit because of fear of a ticket and obeying a loving parent’s request because of love and respect for that parent.
Philippians 2:8 says that He (Jesus) humbled Himself in obedience to God.
In this passage, the word “obedience” means “attentively listening.” The obedience that Jesus displayed was more about hearing and responding to God’s will out of complete dedication than just following a command mindlessly.
Jesus demonstrated a mindset that was totally submitted to God’s plan, even when the path was hard. Obedience, in its truest form, isn’t about rule-following; like Jesus, it’s a reflection of your relationship with God.
This is where humility and honor come into play. When you listen to God with an open heart (obedience) and align your life with His will (humility), your life points to Jesus (honor) and creates space for His power to work in and through you.
You might think that obedience is just about following rules, but true, biblical obedience stems from a deep love and respect for God.
Think of it as the difference between obeying the speed limit because of fear of a ticket and obeying a loving parent’s request because of love and respect for that parent.
Philippians 2:8 says that He (Jesus) humbled Himself in obedience to God.
In this passage, the word “obedience” means “attentively listening.” The obedience that Jesus displayed was more about hearing and responding to God’s will out of complete dedication than just following a command mindlessly.
Jesus demonstrated a mindset that was totally submitted to God’s plan, even when the path was hard. Obedience, in its truest form, isn’t about rule-following; like Jesus, it’s a reflection of your relationship with God.
This is where humility and honor come into play. When you listen to God with an open heart (obedience) and align your life with His will (humility), your life points to Jesus (honor) and creates space for His power to work in and through you.
Jesus’ Example in Everyday Moments
It’s easy to accept that Jesus modeled perfect humility throughout His entire life. After all, He was God—but He was also fully man! Which means He gave a pretty wonderful blueprint of how to live in honor and humility no matter the situation.
Let’s take a look at a few examples from the life of Jesus:
It’s easy to accept that Jesus modeled perfect humility throughout His entire life. After all, He was God—but He was also fully man! Which means He gave a pretty wonderful blueprint of how to live in honor and humility no matter the situation.
Let’s take a look at a few examples from the life of Jesus:
- As a child (Luke 2): He astounded the teachers in the temple with His understanding, yet He humbly submitted to His earthly parents when they found Him. Despite knowing His divine identity and purpose, Jesus chose to honor His parents, growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.
- The wedding in Cana (John 2): When Jesus’ mother told Him they had run out of wine, Jesus initially resisted, stating that His time had not yet come. However, He then submitted to His mother's request, performing His first recorded miracle. This moment, where humility met honor, marked the beginning of the disciples' faith in Him.
- In Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39): Here, we see the humanity of Christ as He wrestles with His coming crucifixion. Three times He prays, asking if there's another way, yet each time submitting to the Father's will. This moment of intense struggle, followed by humble submission, led to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity.
God Can Handle Your Honesty
These stories remind us that it’s possible to walk in complete humility and honor while still struggling or questioning the path. Jesus Himself modeled honest communication with the Father, expressing His desires while ultimately surrendering to God's will.
You not only serve a God who can handle your questions but one who has walked in your shoes as a human and who knows everything you face. Don’t be afraid to approach God with your genuine feelings and concerns. He hears you and understands your struggles.
These stories remind us that it’s possible to walk in complete humility and honor while still struggling or questioning the path. Jesus Himself modeled honest communication with the Father, expressing His desires while ultimately surrendering to God's will.
You not only serve a God who can handle your questions but one who has walked in your shoes as a human and who knows everything you face. Don’t be afraid to approach God with your genuine feelings and concerns. He hears you and understands your struggles.
From Struggle to Surrender
Psalm 40 highlights this journey from struggle to surrender: “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit… and put a new song in my mouth.”
This is the heart of humility: laying down your own agenda and trusting that God’s ways are higher. It means worshiping even in difficult seasons because faith isn’t based on comfort but on God’s unchanging nature.
Psalm 40 highlights this journey from struggle to surrender: “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit… and put a new song in my mouth.”
This is the heart of humility: laying down your own agenda and trusting that God’s ways are higher. It means worshiping even in difficult seasons because faith isn’t based on comfort but on God’s unchanging nature.
A New Path
When you embrace humility and honor, you actually find a deeper identity in Christ and a more authentic relationship with God. As you follow Jesus' example, you will find that true life comes from submitting to God and honoring Him in all you do.
James 4:10 addresses this well when it says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
The path of humility and honor may not always be easy, but it will transform your life! As you strive to live this way, you will discover the power, favor, and wisdom that can only come from submitting to God’s will. And, as you humble yourself before God and honor Him with your life, He will lift you up in due time, using you for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
So, let’s learn to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Let’s die to self-sufficiency and pride. And let’s find our identity and strength in Christ alone.
When you embrace humility and honor, you actually find a deeper identity in Christ and a more authentic relationship with God. As you follow Jesus' example, you will find that true life comes from submitting to God and honoring Him in all you do.
James 4:10 addresses this well when it says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
The path of humility and honor may not always be easy, but it will transform your life! As you strive to live this way, you will discover the power, favor, and wisdom that can only come from submitting to God’s will. And, as you humble yourself before God and honor Him with your life, He will lift you up in due time, using you for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
So, let’s learn to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Let’s die to self-sufficiency and pride. And let’s find our identity and strength in Christ alone.
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