8. Humble Mind (Humble Mind).

8. Humble Mind (Humble Mind).

Philippians 2:5–8

It is spiritually rewarding to study the truth that the basis of Christ’s thinking is his humility.

Once, a man was waiting in a long line at a small tea shop. When his turn finally came, a man who came after him arrogantly stood in front of him. Instead of arguing, the man smiled and let him go first. A friend who witnessed the incident asked, “Why didn’t you say anything to that man?” He calmly replied, “It wasn’t really about the tea—it was something too small to argue about.” Then he added a thought-provoking statement: “I value peace more than proving that I’m right.”  The beautiful reward of a humble mind.

One of the clearest windows into the mind of Christ is found in Philippians 2:5–8. Paul directly instructed: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…”

When Paul describes the attitude and way of thinking of Jesus, he does not emphasize power, wisdom, or authority. Instead, he emphasizes humility. This reveals a great truth — the true foundation of Christlike thinking is humility and meekness.

1. Humility Begins with the Right Personality

“Who, being  in the form of God, did not think it robbery to be equal with God,” writes Paul.

Jesus was fully aware of his true identity and nature. He was fully divine, equal with God (John 1:1; John 10:30). But that glory did not create pride in him; rather, it led him to a humble heart. Jesus did not try to prove his greatness or conquer people. He lived as a servant and gave himself up for others (Phil. 2:6–8; Mark 10:45).

This is a great lesson for our lives. True humility is not simply putting ourselves down, or even living in a state of insecurity. It is not denying the identity we have in God. Rather, true humility is recognizing who we are in God and living without the need to prove it to others.

A humble mind is not rooted in comparison and competition. It stands in a secure identity in God. Such a mind lifts others up, is peaceful, and reflects the character of Christ (Rom. 12:3; Eph. 4:2–3). Humility is a controlled force (Matt. 11:29).

2. The Mind That Chooses to Empty self

When Philippians 2:7 says, “He made himself of no reputation …” (or “emptied himself”) It does not mean that Jesus gave up His divinity. He did not stop being God; rather, He willingly laid aside the rights and privileges of His glorious position and took on the form of a servant (Phil. 2:6–7). He chose to step down from His heavenly glory and live humbly among men (2 Cor. 8:9; John 17:5).

This shows us the depth of Christ’s thinking. Jesus did not cling to His rights. He did not try to win approval from men (John 5:41). He chose submission and obedience to the Father over self-exaltation (John 6:38; Phil. 2:8).

While fallen man naturally wants to “exalt himself, prove himself, and be the center of attention” (Gen. 3:5; Luke 18:11–12), the mind of Christ teaches us to “submit, serve, and glorify God” (Mark 10:43–45; 1 Pet. 5:5–6).

Humility is therefore not just a natural personality trait; it is a spiritual choice. The mind of Christ is ours as we daily deny ourselves and choose to do God’s will (Luke 9:23; Rom. 12:2). It is formed from within. Humility is a choice, not a personality trait (Col. 3:12; James 4:10). 

3. A Servant’s Mindset – Thinking of Others.

Paul went on to say in Philippians 2 that Jesus “took the form of a servant.” Jesus, the King of all glory, deliberately chose not to take a high position in the eyes of the world, but to take the position of a servant (Phil. 2:7; Mark 10:45). This is a radical truth that transcends human thought and reason.

Jesus was not a showman who came to display his glory; rather, he came to show us the eternal nature of God (John 14:9; Heb. 1:3) and to serve the helpless and undeserving with love. In John 13:1-5, we see the depth of his humility in the incident of washing the feet of his disciples. The Teacher and Lord did not hesitate to do the work of a servant (John 13:13–15). In the end, he gave his life for the salvation of mankind (John 10:11; Rom. 5:8).

It is also important to note that a humble mind is not focused on selfishness; it seeks the good of others. “How can I serve others?”, “How can I lift others up?”, “How can I reveal Christ in this situation?” are the questions that drive such people (Phil. 2:3–4; 1 Cor. 10:24).

True humility shifts the focus from self to service. When we live in this way, the character of Christ is revealed in our lives (Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:12–13). As Jesus Himself taught, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matt. 20:26–28).

4. Obedience rooted in humility

Paul says in Philippians 2:8, “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even the death of the cross.” Jesus’ humility was not only expressed in words or appearance; it was demonstrated through complete obedience (Heb. 5:8; John 8:29).

Christ obeyed not in easy circumstances. He chose the Father’s will even in the midst of pain, rejection, and suffering (Isa. 53:3; 1 Pet. 2:21–23). Even when people misunderstood Him, insulted Him, and He endured isolation and agony on the way to the cross, He remained steadfast in obedience (Matt. 27:39–44; Luke 23:33–34). In Gethsemane He prayed, “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42; Matt. 26:39). This is the supreme example of humility.

A proud mind opposes God’s will. It seeks to advance its own desires and goals (Prov. 16:18; Rom. 8:7). But the humble mind is fully surrendered before the Father. It values God’s will above its own and seeks His glory above personal gain (John 4:34; 1 Pet. 5:6).

True humility is revealed by trusting God and being willing to obey Him—even when the path is narrow and difficult (Matt. 7:14; Heb. 11:8). It is through such obedience that the mind of Christ is formed in us (Rom. 12:1–2; Phil. 2:5; Gal. 2:20). 

5. Humility Leads to Exaltation

After describing Christ’s humility and obedience in Philippians 2:5-8, Paul reveals the result in verse 9: “Therefore God has also highly exalted him.” This teaches us a key principle of the kingdom of God. The world says, “If you want to be exalted, exalt yourself.” But God says, “Humble yourself, and I will exalt you.” So humility is not a loss; it is the path to divine exaltation.

We find clear examples of both humble and proud hearts in Scripture. Jesus submitted completely to the Father (Luke 22:42), served others sacrificially, and obediently endured the cross. Therefore, God exalted him.

In contrast, in Isaiah 14:13-14, Satan tried to exalt himself by saying, “I will ascend.” Pride led to his downfall. This is clear if you read the passage carefully. It is also good to pay attention to Proverbs 16:18.

Numbers 12:3 says of Moses, “Now the man Moses was by far the meekest of all the men who were upon the face of the earth.” He was the meekest man on earth. He led the people by relying on God, not on his own strength.

All these examples teach us that humility leads to closeness to God, while pride leads to distance from God.

Practical signs of a humble mind

• Is teachable and willing to be corrected                                                    • Is quick to listen, slow to speak (James 1:19)                                              • Is willing to serve even when no recognition is given                                  • Trusts God rather than trusts in his own strength                                              • Does not try to compete or compare.

Humility is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of spiritual strength under divine control.

The mind of Christ is not driven by pride, by human approval, or by a desire to exalt oneself. Rather, it is driven by submission to God’s will, by a willingness to serve others, and by complete obedience.

Having the mind of Christ means having a humble mind. This is where the transformation begins. Without humility, we cannot receive anything from God, grow spiritually, or reflect Christ.

Humility opens the door to grace (James 4:6), guidance, and spiritual maturity. 

As we choose humility daily, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, our thoughts begin to become more in harmony with Christ. We stop striving for position and begin to live for God’s purpose. We stop promoting self and begin to reflect Christ.

When we grow in humility, the mind of Christ becomes more clearly formed in us. Amen.