Tibetan-born
Sherpa Nawang Gombu and American Jim Whittaker reached the top of Mount Everest
on May 1, 1963. As they approached the peak, each considered the honor of being
the first of the two to step to the summit. Whittaker motioned for Gombu to
move ahead, but Gombu declined with a smile, saying, “You first, Big Jim!”
Finally, they decided to step to the summit at the same time.
Paul encouraged
the Philippian believers to demonstrate this kind of humility. He said, “Let
each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests
of others” (Phil. 2:4 nkjv). Selfishness and superiority can divide people, but
humility unites us, since it is the quality of “being one in spirit and of one
mind” (v. 2).
When quarrels
and disagreements occur, we can often diffuse them by giving up our right to be
right. Humility calls us to show grace and gentleness when we would rather
insist on our own way. “In humility value others above yourselves” (v. 3).
Practicing
humility helps us to become more like Jesus who, for our sake, “humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death” (vv. 7-8). Following in Jesus’ footsteps means
backing away from what is best for us and doing what is best for others.
Humility promotes unity. (ODB)
