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Applying Christ's Example of Humility and Selflessness Daily

The Christian life calls believers to daily embody the humility and selflessness exemplified by Jesus Christ [1, 5]. This imitation is not merely an aspiration but a fundamental aspect of discipleship, touching upon various facets of Christian conduct and character.

Humility, as demonstrated by Christ, is a cornerstone of this daily application. Jesus himself declared, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29). His humility was evident from his incarnation, taking on human nature (Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:16), to his birth in humble circumstances (Luke 2:4-7), and his subjection to his earthly parents (Luke 2:51) [2]. He lived a life of poverty, associating with the despised, and even refused worldly honors (Luke 9:58; Matthew 9:10-11; John 5:41) [2]. The ultimate expression of his humility was his willingness to wash his disciples' feet (John 13:5) and his obedience to the point of death on a cross, "disregarding its shame" (Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 12:2) [2, 14]. This act of crucifixion, a most shameful form of execution, underscored his profound self-abasement [14].

For believers, humility is necessary for serving God (Micah 6:8) and is a characteristic of saints (Psalm 34:2) [1]. God regards the humble (Psalm 138:6; Isaiah 66:2), hears their prayers (Psalm 9:12), and promises to deliver and lift them up (Job 22:29; James 4:10) [1]. Those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11; 18:14) and receive more grace (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6) [1]. The apostle Paul appeals to believers "by the humility and gentleness of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:1), indicating that this quality should define Christian interaction.

Selflessness, often intertwined with humility, is another critical aspect of Christ's example. Jesus consistently prioritized the will of God and the needs of others over his own. He set an example of self-denial, as seen in his resistance to temptation (Matthew 4:8-10) and his declaration, "I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me" (John 6:38) [3]. Paul further highlights Christ's selflessness, stating that he "did not please himself" (Romans 15:3) and, though in the form of God, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:6-7) [3].

Self-denial is presented as a test of devotion to Christ (Matthew 10:37-38) and is necessary for following him (Luke 9:23-24) [3]. It involves denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (Romans 6:12; Titus 2:12), controlling appetites (Proverbs 23:2), abstaining from fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11), and mortifying sinful desires [3]. This commitment to self-denial means no longer living for the lusts of men (1 Peter 4:2) [3]. Believers are exhorted to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and "make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lust thereof," meaning they should not plan to gratify their corrupt nature [16].

Applying these principles daily involves several practical dimensions:

  1. Conformity to Christ's Character: The example of Christ is perfect (Hebrews 7:26), and believers are called to conform to it in various areas: holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16), righteousness (1 John 2:6), purity (1 John 3:3), love (John 13:34; Ephesians 5:2), meekness (Matthew 11:29), and obedience (John 15:10) [5]. This conformity extends to forgiving injuries (Colossians 3:13), overcoming the world (John 16:33), and living a guileless life (1 Peter 2:21-22) [5].

  2. Service and Liberality: Christ's example includes ministering to others (Matthew 20:28; John 13:14-15) and benevolence (Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9) [5]. He demonstrated liberality, which is pleasing to God (2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:16) [6]. Believers are called to exercise liberality in the service of God, toward fellow saints (Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:10), servants, the poor, strangers, and even enemies (Deuteronomy 15:11-14; Isaiah 58:7; Proverbs 25:21) [6]. This involves giving alms and relieving the destitute (Luke 12:33; Isaiah 58:7) [6]. Sharing with saints in need and practicing hospitality are specific applications (Romans 12:13) [11].

  3. Patient Endurance: Christ's patient endurance under undeserved suffering serves as an example for believers (1 Peter 2:21) [15]. Our endurance in the Christian life depends on keeping our eyes on Jesus, focusing on him and his work [14]. This means patiently suffering, even when innocent, just as Christ innocently suffered for humanity [15].

  4. Diligence: Christ also exemplified diligence (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) [4]. God requires diligence in seeking him (1 Chronicles 22:19; Hebrews 11:6), obeying him (Deuteronomy 6:17; 11:13), and hearkening to his voice (Isaiah 55:2) [4]. Believers are to strive for perfection (Philippians 3:13-14), cultivate Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5), and guard their souls and hearts (Deuteronomy 4:9; Proverbs 4:23) [4]. Diligence also applies to "labours of love" (Hebrews 6:10-12), following every good work (1 Timothy 5:10), guarding against defilement (Hebrews 12:15), and making one's calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10) [4]. The author of Hebrews exhorts believers to "give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience" (Hebrews 4:11) [7].

  5. Daily Practice: The application of these principles is not a one-time event but a continuous, daily commitment. The early apostles "ceased not to teach and preach Jesus" daily in the temple and in every house (Acts 5:42) [17]. This daily rhythm of devotion and service is reflected in calls to proclaim God's lovingkindness in the morning and his faithfulness every night (Psalm 92:2) [10, 13]. Constant and importunate prayer is a duty of saints, and Christ himself was much in the exercise of it (Luke 6:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) [12]. Believers are to live "in piety and righteousness before him all our days" (Luke 1:75) [9], seeking to be satisfied with God's lovingkindness every morning so they may rejoice and be glad all their days (Psalm 90:14) [8].

The daily application of Christ's example of humility and selflessness is thus a comprehensive call to align one's entire life—character, actions, and attitudes—with the pattern set by Jesus, sustained by continuous spiritual discipline and devotion.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility of Christ, The — Declared by himself -- Mt 11:29. Exhibited in his Taking our nature. -- Php 2:7; Heb 2:16. Birth. -- Lu 2:4-7. Subjection to his parents. -- Lu 2:51. Station in life. -- Mt 13:55; Joh 9:29. Poverty. -- Lu 9:58; 2Co 8:9. Partaking of our infirmities. -- Heb 4:15; 5:7. Submitting to ordinances. -- Mt 3:13-15. Becoming a servant. -- Mt 20:28; Lu 22:27; Php 2:7. Associating with the despised. -- Mt 9:10,11; Lu 15:1,2. Refusing honours. -- Joh 5:41; 6:15. Entry into Jerusalem. -- Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5,7. Washing his disciples' feet. -- Joh 13:5. Obedi”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
  7. Hebrews “Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. -- Hebrews 4:11”
  8. Psalms “Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. -- Psalms 90:14”
  9. Luke “Luke 1:75 (Darby) — in piety and righteousness before him all our days.”
  10. Psalms “to proclaim your loving kindness in the morning, and your faithfulness every night, -- Psalms 92:2”
  11. Romans “Romans 12:13 (BSB) — Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
  12. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 86:3: Be merciful unto me, O Lord,.... In my distressed and miserable condition, being an object of mercy, pity, and compassion; this petition is used by Christ in Psa 41:10. for I cry unto thee daily; or "all the day"; every day, and several times in a day, Psa 55:17 constant and importunate prayer is the duty of saints, and available with God, Th1 5:17. Christ was much in the exercise of it, Luk 6:12.”
  13. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 92:2: To show forth thy lovingkindness in the morning,.... God has shown forth his lovingkindness in Christ, and Christ has shown it in a ministerial way; and saints should show it forth also with their lips, to warm the hearts of one another, and encourage distressed minds; this should be a part, and a considerable one, of their thanksgiving and praise; as it will appear to be, when the objects of it are considered, not angels, but men, and these the worst and vilest; the instances of it in election, redemption, calling, adoption, and eternal life; and the freeness, earlin”
  14. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:2: 12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian life will depend on our keeping our eyes on Jesus—staying focused on him and his work on our behalf. • Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith: Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for faith under the new covenant to be a reality. • disregarding its shame: Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution, meant to humiliate and torture the person crucified. It was used only for slaves and criminals who were not Roman citizens. Christ treated th”
  15. 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 2:21: Christ's example a proof that patient endurance under undeserved sufferings is acceptable with God. hereunto--to the patient endurance of unmerited suffering (Pe1 3:9). Christ is an example to servants, even as He was once in "the form of a servant." called--with a heavenly calling, though slaves. for us--His dying for us is the highest exemplification of "doing well" (Pe1 2:20). Ye must patiently suffer, being innocent, as Christ also innocently suffered (not for Himself, but for us). The oldest manuscripts for "us . . . us," read, "you . . . f”
  16. Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 13:14: But--to sum up all in one word. put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ--in such wise that Christ only may be seen in you (see Co2 3:3; Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24). and make no provision--"take no forethought." for the flesh, to fulfil the lust thereof--"Direct none of your attention to the cravings of your corrupt nature, how you may provide for their gratification." Note, (1) How gloriously adapted is Christianity for human society in all conditions! As it makes war directly against no specific forms of government, so it directly recommends none. While its h”
  17. Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 5:42: Daily in the temple - That is at the hours of morning and evening prayer; for they felt it their duty to worship God in public, and to help others to make a profitable use of the practice. Every man that professes Christianity should, in this respect also, copy their conduct: nor can any man be considered to have any religion, let his sentiments be what they may, who does not attend on the public worship of his Maker. They ceased not to teach and preach Jesus - Far from desisting, they became more zealous, yea, incessant, in their work. They took advantage of the publ”
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