Humility: The Mark of True Christianity

“We must view humility as one of the most essential things that characterizes true Christianity.”  –Jonathan Edwards

One of my favorite places at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) is the courtyard on the main campus.  As a student I often found solace there in the calm, well-shaded space.  But what drew me there most was the sculpture of The Divine Servant.

The life-size bronze statue, created by Max Greiner Jr, is a depiction of Jesus washing the feet of His disciple, Simon Peter. The detail of the sculpture aptly puts a face to Scripture, illustrating for us the humble heart and posture of our Savior as He served one of his students. This piece of art reminds me and so many others that when serving others, we must do it the way Jesus did–sacrificially with love and humility.

Even though you can’t miss the sculpture of the Divine Servant when you visit the courtyard on the DTS main campus, we often miss the heart of Christ’s example

The custom of footwashing was regarded as such a lowly task it could not be required Hebrew slaves.[1] Yet, our Savior humbled himself to do the act without pause. He humbled Himself to give an example so that we would go and do the same for others, because He came to serve and not be served. (Matthew 20:28) Christ’s example demonstrates that no matter what we attain, no matter our titles or roles, no matter how much education we have, we need to always be in a posture and position of humility to God and man.

We live in a time where many want to be elevated without regard for others.  Today’s society is filled with temptations to gain and maintain for self, despite the fact our country is predominantly Christian.  As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we need to remember the example of Christ.  He humbled himself to be a servant, serving not only by washing feet, but by clothing Himself in flesh and dwelling among mankind, and ultimately, giving his life so that we might be saved. Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians,

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:4-8 ESV)

Christ Himself is the epitome of the Law of Love.   He fulfilled the law while showing us how to live it as well. May we remember to follow His example of humility in all we do in His Name.

[1] Chris Church, “Footwashing,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Revised and Expanded, Chad Brand, (Brentwood: B & H Publishing Group, 2015), 586.