Lorne Sanny, past president of the Navigators, was asked how one could know when he/she had a servant attitude. His reply: “By how you act when you are treated like one.” Jesus told us that the way up is down. “And whoever would be first among you must be your slave” (Matthew 20:27). Not only is this the way of Jesus, but today’s passage informs us that it is also walking in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25-6:5
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 6 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.
- Walking in the Spirit means putting away pride, vv. 25-26.
- Walking in the Spirit means putting on humility, vv. 1-5.
Four expressions of humility to put on:
- You gently restore erring believers, v. 1.
- You strongly support hurting believers, v. 2.
- You honestly evaluate your life, vv. 3-4.
- You responsibly carry your load, v. 5
Humility Checklist
- When I hear of a Christin sinning, do I ask myself, “How can I help” or “Who can I tell?”
- When I see a Christian hurting, do I reach out or draw back?
- When I am hurting, do I accept others reaching out to me, or do I push them away?
- Do I view myself as indispensable to this church, or a part of a team working together toward a common goal?
- When an area of responsibility comes along, do I ask myself, “Can I do that?” or “How can I get out of that?”
How did you do on the Humility Checklist?
The only way to model humility is to live in the Spirit.
