1 Corintians 4:6-7 reminds the Corinthian church—and all believers—of the importance of humility in the Christian life. They highlight that spiritual leaders and believers alike are merely servants of God, working for His glory. Paul encourages the Corinthians to recognize the source of their gifts and abilities, fostering an attitude of gratitude and unity rather than division and pride.

Often we react negatively to various emotional triggers because we value other people's opinions about us. Or we can go the other way and reject other people's opinions about us and just be concerned about our own opinions about ourselves. Either way, both are manifestations of pride. There's no need for either of them because only the Lord can truly know what is in a person's heart.

In verse 1, Paul defines his leadership with two images: 1) servant and 2) steward. As a "servant," he is under his Master's orders. As a "steward," he is a manager of God's truth, which is the Gospel. In other words, his calling is to be a "servant steward." In verse 2, Paul emphasizes the one thing required of him -- faithfulness.

Humility is not just something we admire in Jesus—it is something we are called to live out. As God’s chosen people, we are to clothe ourselves with humility in our daily interactions, showing kindness, patience, and forgiveness.

True community is built on humility. Paul urges the Philippians to live in unity by being like-minded, loving one another, and putting others above themselves. In a world that encourages self-promotion, humility is the foundation for strong relationships. When we listen, value others, and care for their needs, we reflect Christ’s love and foster deep, lasting connections in our communities.

Because Jesus humbled Himself, God exalted Him. His exaltation was and is universal. Ultimately, every knee will bow before Christ, the perfect example of humility to the glory of God. In the same way, when we humble ourselves, God will exalt us in due time, not like Jesus but according to His purpose for our lives.

Jesus’ humility was demonstrated through His obedience and submission to God, even unto death -- death on the cross, which is the most gruesome kind of death in the first century. True humility is not just about serving—it’s about fully submitting to God’s will, even when it’s difficult.

Jesus did not just serve—He became a servant. His life of servanthood was marked by a deep commitment to meeting the needs of others, even in the lowliest ways, without calling attention to Himself. Humility is revealed when we serve without seeking recognition or reward.

Though Jesus was fully God, He did not hold onto His divine privileges for selfish reasons. He chose selflessness over self-preservation. True humility is not about losing identity but using what we have for the good of others.

True humility begins with adopting the mindset of Christ. Instead of seeking personal gain, Jesus willingly lowered Himself for the sake of others. Humility is not just an action but a way of thinking that shapes how we relate to God and others.