As ministry volunteers/workers, we are often reminded of the importance of the attitude and posture of humility. Perhaps we are observing or interacting with someone who so beautifully exemplifies this characteristic, or we see that in our own lives we are failing to lead with a humble spirit. Whatever the case may be, most, if not all, of us understand the absolute necessity of this essential attitude.

The very first admonition that comes to my mind is Philippians 2:3 - 11…”Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

We cannot stop the quote here, for Paul goes on to say, “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Actually, these verses embody the definition of humility. The basic definition of humility is “regarding one another as more important than yourselves.” What would our world look like if all of us courageously followed Christ’s example of humble obedience, even to the point of death? Christ is our ultimate example, even though He was fully God AND FULLY MAN.

Where do we stand with regard to our rights, our desires, our plans, our programs, and the list goes on? Are we willing to be humiliated for the sake of Christ or the sake of others? I do not want to be offensive, because I do feel as though I am proverbially speaking to the choir here in this blog. There are few other groups who serve so selflessly and work so tirelessly as the children’s workers whom I have met. But can we not agree that humility is often in short supply these days?!

Romans 12:10 states, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, give preference to one another in honor…” We would be wise to remember and ponder Peter’s words in I Peter 5:5b “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

So, let’s be encouraged today to serve with “lowly mindedness” or humility. Notice that the MIND is foundational to the attitude and spirit of humility. The actions of a humble person are an outgrowth of a mind that is stayed on Christ; one that is reflecting the mind of Christ and imitating Him. May our fashion statement be that we are clothed with humility.

Karen Bishir grew up hearing about Jesus' love and forgiveness from a young age, and when she came to understand the message of salvation through faith in Christ, she embraced God’s grace and forgiveness. Raised in a pastor's home, Karen has continued to live in ministry throughout her adult life alongside her husband, Terry, who pastored Liberty Baptist Church for 38 years. They are blessed with four married children and 14 grandchildren. Karen is deeply involved in Liberty’s music, women’s, and children’s ministries, and her passion for teaching has led her to serve in homeschool, Christian, and public school settings, as well as within the church. She treasures time with children and their families, and her heart’s desire is to see God working in lives across all generations.