“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
I read this story about a man who was willing to wash windows. “A neat, rather prepossessing young man applied to John Wanamaker for a job a number of years ago, in Philadelphia, and, when told that there was no job for him, said, ‘I am willing to do anything.’ Thinking to get rid of him, Mr. Wanamaker said, ‘The only job I have is a job of washing windows.’ The young man said, ‘I will take it.’
“He washed those windows as they had never been washed before. In time he became manager of that great store. After twenty-five years of splendid service, the man died suddenly. Mr. Wanamaker said, ‘I am willing to pay as high as one hundred thousand dollars a year for a manager who can fill the place of the one I have lost.’ What the church needs today is more men and women who are willing to wash windows.”
An humble window washer can become a great manager. The “rags to riches” story is often repeated in the Bible. It is a principle that is a hallmark of true Christian character. Jesus taught his disciples to take the lowly place: “So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: ‘When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, “Give place to this man,” and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, “Friend, go up higher.” Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’” (Lk. 14:7-11)
The Apostle Peter encourages us to submit to one another and practice humility. “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Pet. 5:5-7) We might be tempted to push things along at times because we are not sure when our “due time” will arrive. However, we are reminded that God cares for us and we can trust Him to do what is right and what is best for us.
James teaches us that humility can be a cure for our tendencies toward worldliness. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (Jas. 4:7-10) When we draw near to God, we are drawn toward a heart of humility, just like Jesus who “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
L Scott Gage