We live in a proud country. Patriotism is trumpeted from pulpits, and evangelicalism seems to go hand in hand with one party. But is this true? In a world that is measured by clicks, follows, and likes, are we following God’s heart or chasing after acceptance? Have we fallen into the trap of blindly following a “conservative culture” rather than turning to God for deeper answers?

Humility is a big deal to God

Throughout the Old and New Testament, we are reminded to forsake pride and seek humility as a defining character. The apostle Paul marked humility as a sign of maturity in the Christian faith. From a prison cell, he wrote to the Ephesians and said, “I don’t want you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline — not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences” (Ephesians 4:2-3 MSG). Paul knew that Jesus had commanded us to love one another and had then shown us how to be servants to one another in humility. Jesus did not boast of His deeds, and Paul, who called himself the worst of all sinners, reminded us that we are to follow in Jesus’ example. 

We are not saved by our country, patriotism, or political leanings. We are not saved through capitalism, socialism, or by any human. You and I have already been saved by grace through Christ Jesus. There is nothing you and I can do and therefore nothing to brag about (Ephesians 2:9). 

Keep reading because God has a lot to say about humility. Here are just a few of the many verses on the subject:

• Micah 6:8
• Psalm 25:9; 149:4 
• Proverbs 3:34; 11:2; 15:33; 18:12 
• James 4:6-10, 14-16
• 1 Peter 5:5-7
• Matthew 18:4
• Romans 12:3, 16
• Colossians 3:12
• Philippians 2:1-8

Are you doing it for the follow, or for God?

Here’s a question for you: Are you posting your good deeds to TikTok, Snapchat or Instagram to gain follows and feel good with every new like? If you are, why? What is your motivation in handing a quarter to the homeless woman on the street corner, whom, in possibly one of her lowest moments, you have now publicly humiliated in order to feel good about yourself? Is her dignity worth so little? Is yours? 

In Luke 14:10-11 (MSG) Jesus tells us, “When you’re invited to dinner, go and sit at the last place. Then when the host comes he may very well say, ‘Friend, come up to the front.’ That will give the dinner guests something to talk about! What I’m saying is, if you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face. But if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”

Here’s the thing: You and I are called to serve others, not to be self-seeking. We are called to promote God, not ourselves. Often this means putting our own desire for praise to the side and doing what is right when no one is looking. It’s what Jesus did. He entered into suffering with us willingly and submitted Himself to the humbling experience of the cross. He lived and He loved selflessly. Now go and do the same. 

Join us on Unfiltered Radio as we explore the historical Jesus and what it means to authentically follow Him.