Humility suggests that you realize that you don’t know everything. Humility causes you to remain curious, inquisitive and teachable. One sign of humility is that you put others before yourself. Today, we’re taking time to reflect on the unfolding Easter story in the second chapter of Acts and the founding of the church.
Acts 2:36-47 (NIV)
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Humility Rules
“They devoted themselves” is the spiritual posture of humility that forms the foundations of the church. The activities that follow flow from a humble heart. It is the governing principle of the early church. The posture of humility is as important as the activities themselves:
- teaching
- fellowship
- eating
- prayer
- sharing
- meeting
- worship
- evangelism
These activities were done in relationship with one another. Community is hard work. It requires humility.
Discipleship requires humility
Jesus was counter-cultural. In Matthew 5:11-12, He identifies those who will be blessed – which is diametrically opposed to the celebrity culture in our society today. Humility rules!
In our society we are encouraged to be the best, be different, be a person of influence. The Kingdom of God turns that thinking on its head.
- Who is comforted?
- Who inherits the earth?
- Who will be fed?
- Who will be shown mercy?
- Who will see God?
- Who will be called children of God?
- Who will inherit the Kingdom of God?
As a leader who empowers others, you assume the posture of a servant. Leadership requires humility. Church history is founded on these humble roots.
As a disciple, you realize the importance of humility. Making disciples is a humbling task.
5 Questions to Stay Humble
Following are questions you can use personally (or if you are coaching a group of Jesus followers) to make more and better disciples.
- How have you felt humbled recently?
- What was your response?
- What would Jesus advise you to do in your next spiritual season?
- How can you grow from this moment?
- How do you plan to move the action forward in your spiritual journey?
Do you want to take your team on the disciple making journey together? The Discipleship Collective helps you mobilize other disciple makers. Take the Disciple Maker Quiz to discover the habits you are excelling at – and the growth points you need to focus on. Then, invite other members of your team to join you. It’s FREE and you can use it as often as you like!
If you want your team to be better equipped to make disciples consider the DISCIPLESHIP COLLECTIVE.
Webinar + 5 Triads
October 16, 2023 10am-3pm PST
Photo by Ana Municio on Unsplash
