Thomas a Kempis’ book, “The Imitation of Christ,” written in the 15th century, is considered the classic of Christian devotionals. The title alone captures the central theme of the Christian life. Is there any higher aspiration than to be like Christ? In the context of our passage today, does not the example of Christ help us in our quest for unity through selfless humility, for the Lord Jesus was always thinking of others? His death on the cross was the ultimate statement of putting others before Himself.

Many scholars view verses 5-11 as an ancient hymn recorded by the apostle (due to the literary structure). It certainly captures in a most poetic way an image of Christ’s humility that led to His exaltation.

Yet imitating Christ’s attitude is not a mercenary humility, intended primarily as a path to glory. Such efforts in time fail. There is always a mixture in this life of fallen motivations due to self-centeredness and the aspiration of the inner spirit to glorify God. The goal of Christ’s humility was to obtain a self-promoted glory. True humility will not seek its own. The reward, though, is inherent in the thing itself. There is an other-glory in true humility, a glory that is not sought for oneself, but which ultimately accompanies the humble other-glory. For God, the most natural thing is His own glory because He is truly the center of the universe and is essentially glorious in His nature. For humans, the glory comes to us when we realize and act upon the reality that He alone is glorious and we are not, which is the essence of humility. That which we obtain is reflection of His glory, but then when we see Him it will be a true sharing in His glory: “… We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2).

Scripture is replete with the challenge to model our lives after Him. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt 11:29).  “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).  “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). “For even Christ did not please Himself …” (Rom 15:3). “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps…”  (1 Peter 2:21). “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her…” (Eph 5:25).