Imitate Jesus' Humility and Tenderness

IMITATE JESUS' HUMILITY

How can we imitate Jesus in demonstrating humility?    Our attitude. Humility restrains us from overstepping our authority. If we recognize that we are not authorized to sit in judgment, we will not be quick to criticize others for their faults  or question their motives. (Luke 6:37; James 4:12) Humility helps us to avoid being "overly righteous,"  looking down on those who may not have the abilities or privileges that we have.  (Ecclesiastes 7:16) Humble elders do not view themselves  as superior to fellow believers. Rather, such shepherds "consider others superior" and  conduct themselves as lesser ones. - Philippians 2:3; Luke 9:48. 

Consider W.J. Thorn, who served as a pilgrim, or traveling overseer, starting in 1894. After so many years in that work, he was called to Kingdom Farm in upstate New York and worked in the henhouse. He said:  "Whenever I get to thinking a great deal of myself, I take myself into the corner, so to speak, and say: "You little speck of dust.  What have you got to be proud of?' " (Read Isaiah 40:12-15) A humble attitude indeed!

Our speech.  If we are truly lowly in heart, our words will reflect humility.  (Luke 6:45)  In conversations with others, we will avoid focusing on our own achievements and privileges.  (Proverbs 27:2) Instead, we will look for the good in our brothers and sisters and commend them for their positive qualities, abilities, and accomplishments.  (Proverbs 15:23)   Our actions. Humble Christians are not interested  in seeking prominence in this system.  They would rather lead a simple life, even doing what the world might consider menial work so that they can serve Jehovah  to the fullest extent possible.  (1 Timothy 6:6, 8) Above all, we can show humility by our obedience. It takes lowliness of mind to "be obedient to those who are taking the lead" in the congregation and to accept and follow the direction  we receive from Jehovah's organization. -Hebrews 13:17. 

Next time: Imitate Jesus' Humility and Tenderness - JESUS IS TENDER

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015