In Jim’s sermon, we were reminded of the importance of humility and the leveling of the playing field in God’s kingdom. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe that God calls us to be humble, recognizing that all people, regardless of status, are equal in His eyes. This is a key aspect of our mission to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.”
Study: The Biblical Call to Humility
The Bible consistently calls us to humility, reminding us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12). In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist speaks of making the crooked paths straight and the rough places smooth, symbolizing the leveling of the playing field. At Lakeview, we encourage our congregation to study these scriptures to understand the importance of humility in our walk with Christ.
Humility is a central theme throughout the Bible, from the teachings of Jesus to the writings of the apostles. It is a virtue that requires us to recognize our dependence on God and our need for His grace. As we study the scriptures, we learn that humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but about thinking of ourselves less and prioritizing the needs of others.
Share: Building a Community of Equals
Sharing our lives with others in a spirit of humility helps build a community where all are valued and respected. Philippians 2:3-4 urges us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” At Lakeview, we strive to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcome and encouraged to share their gifts and talents.
A community built on humility is one where individuals are free to be themselves, without fear of judgment or exclusion. By valuing each person as a unique creation of God, we foster an environment of acceptance and love. This sense of community allows us to support one another in our spiritual journeys and grow together in faith.
Serve: Humility in Action
Serving others is a powerful expression of humility. Jesus Himself demonstrated this by washing His disciples’ feet, setting an example for us to follow (John 13:14-15). At Lakeview, we offer numerous opportunities for service, encouraging our members to serve with humility and love. By doing so, we live out our mission to “Be the change” and reflect the character of Christ.
Service is an opportunity to put humility into practice by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. It allows us to demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways and make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. Whether it’s through volunteering at a local food bank, participating in a community clean-up, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need, our acts of service reflect the humility and compassion of Jesus.
Conclusion
Humility is a cornerstone of the Christian life, calling us to recognize our equality before God and to serve others with love and grace. As we embrace this calling, let us remember the mission of Lakeview Christian Church: “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” Through the “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, Serve—we can live out this mission and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can create a community that reflects the love and humility of Christ, bringing hope and transformation to all we encounter.
