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2 April 2017

Smart. Charismatic. Strong. Confident. Popular. Powerful.

These are just some of the many characteristics that this world looks up to. This world holds up achievements and character traits on a pedestal that is above no other.

And, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be sucked into thinking just like this. But this is not how we should be thinking as Christians.

Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.
(Luke 13:30)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
(Philippians 2:3-4)

Encouragements to show humility ooze from all pages of the Bible. As Christians, we are called to be thinking of and caring for others above ourselves, based on the humility that the Lord Jesus has so wonderfully displayed (for example, read Philippians 2:1-11!).

This is always so much harder than expected though, isn’t it?

There was a moment last year where I realised that pride had seeped its way into my heart. My ministry, my study, every single aspect of my life was tainted by my thought processes.

Realising that there was a part of me that wanted glory and success and achievement. It was absolutely disgusting.

I knew that I needed to destroy pride and be humble. But I had absolutely no idea what that looked like.

A friend recommended a book called Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney, which I have found immensely helpful.

His number one suggestion for weakening pride and cultivating humility is to always reflect on the cross of Christ. That is, to reflect upon the absolute enormity of the Son of God dying for you, a corrupt sinner.

Reflect upon your inability to redeem yourself from the wrath of God. Do this always.

Other suggestions that Mahaney has include: beginning each day by expressing gratefulness to God for all he has, each night acknowledging that God is the being that does not need sleep, as well as actively looking for ways that God is at work in the lives of people.

I encourage you to struggle with me and seek to serve others before yourself, in thought, word and deed, as we seek to honour our Lord and King.

Josh Hayward,
Youthworks Ministry Trainee