Some thoughts for teens in your life.
He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. Phil 2:8 ESV
How do we humble ourselves practically?
This verse makes clear that one way we humble ourselves is by obeying. By obeying even when it hurts. It is an act of humility to lower ourselves and place someone above us.
Of course, God has placed parents above you. But it is another thing entirely for you to accept that placement and humbly submit to them. Just because someone is above you in rank does not mean we automatically accept that ranking. It is an act of the will. It is an act of humility.
Rebelling against the created order was the original sin of Lucifer, the angel of light. Though created to be lower that God, he was not satisfied with that status and did not accept that ranking underneath Him. In his pride, he refused to submit.
Similarly, though parents are placed over you by God and in a place of authority, a young person does not have to have a submissive heart. Like the devil, you can also rebel against the created order. From this verse we see that at the root of that discontentment is pride.
The alternative is to be like Jesus, actively humbling yourself by becoming obedient to them as an act of your will. Placing yourself under the authority of another is a humbling act. Submitting to another is a humbling act. But Jesus, though equal with the Father in essence and being, willingly humbled himself by becoming obedient to the Father.
The blessing of obedience is found in verse 9. Therefore, God has highly exalted him. Humility always brings honor. Lowering ourselves always brings honor. Take a look at any obedience issue you have. Is it really a pride issue?
How would God call you to humble yourself by becoming obedient?
Lord Jesus, thank you for humbling yourself and becoming obedient to death, even to death on a cross. Give me that same humble spirit that is willing to yield to those in authority over me. Help me actively humble my will.
