In today’s world where humility is rarely celebrated or discussed, understanding biblical humility is more important than ever. True humility is a trademark characteristic of authentic followers of Jesus Christ, and it’s something you and I both can cultivate.

I always remind people who want to live surrendered to the authority of Jesus Christ that biblical humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking about ourselves less. It’s recognizing that we are more valuable than we think, but probably less important than we believe.

True humility when played out in everyday life means allowing God to pick your seat rather than choosing it yourself. It means trusting God even when you can’t see the outcome. It means putting others first because you believe there’s enough for everyone. (And there is enough for everyone.) It means understanding that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. He wants to bless you as you surrender your life to him. Why? Because true humility naturally leads to God’s favor.

In Luke 14, Jesus teaches about humility through a parable about a wedding feast, emphasizing that those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. We want to be in that latter group!

This week, I hope you’ll follow the example of Jesus, the humblest person ever to walk the earth. Think of it: he left heaven’s glory to become human. Then, being both fully God and fully human, he embraced our broken humanity and died on the cross for our salvation. He emptied himself for us to model how we might empty ourselves for each other.

If you want to follow Jesus with full devotion, consider walking through these critical steps:

1. Pray to God, asking him to round out any rough edges of pride that exist in your mind or heart.
2. Evaluate your heart by asking, Am I trying to promote myself, or am I fully trusting God’s will, God’s timing, and the circumstances God is allowing into my life?
3. Practice humility in daily interactions. Rather than seeking recognition for what you’ve said or done, look for ways to recognize, elevate, and serve other.

Remember: You and I both will eventually be humbled. We can choose to humble ourselves before God, or circumstances will humble us. Choose the path of voluntary humility and trust in God’s plan for your life.

I love being your pastor—

Brady

In a world marked by division and hostility, the early Christian church transformed society and expanded from 1,000 believers in AD 40 to more than 32 million just three hundred years later through three powerful practices: the performing of healing miracles, earnestly caring for those who were poor and vulnerable, and extending radical hospitality across social barriers, principles that can revolutionize our communities still today.

True biblical hospitality goes beyond simply hanging out with friends. There’s purpose to it. There’s intention to it. There’s an outcome we hope to achieve. As this New Year gets underway, think about people you’ll be crossing paths with at work, at church, and as you go about your daily life. Who is always on the margins, wishing someone would reach out to them? How might you welcome them warmly? How might you make them feel comfortable in your presence instead of judged? How might you come to each conversation eager to turn the topic back to them as often as possible instead of excessively talking about yourself?

Remember that even a simple word of encouragement or act of kindness can have a profound effect. Think of the impact of these straightforward steps:

• You meet someone at church who is sitting alone. Instead of greeting her and heading to your seat, you ask, “Would you like to come sit with me?”
• You find yourself in line at the store, standing behind someone who can’t pay for his groceries. Instead of being annoyed that he’s taking too long, you take a step toward him and quietly say, “Can I cover this for you? It would be my honor.”
• You see someone at work who is kind of known as a loner. Instead of breezing past, you say, “My family and I are just hanging out tonight, playing games and ordering pizza. Want to join us?”

In Romans 12, the apostle Paul offers clear guidance regarding our mandate as followers of Jesus. We are to be devoted to each other in a posture of love. We are to honor others above ourselves. We are to share with those in need. And we are to practice hospitality as a spiritual disciple, no less than an act of worship.

The power to transform our communities lies not in complex programs but in simple acts of genuine hospitality, care for others, and prayer. Be encouraged this week, remembering that as you practice biblical hospitality, you are by definition glorifying God.

I love being your pastor—

Brady