True Humility
By Priscilla Ip, Summer Intern at St. James Town
As I return for a third summer at TCM, I can easily go into it relying on my own strengths and past experiences to get me through the exciting and fun (but at times chaotic and exhausting) times at camp. Although I’m so thankful for the experiences I have had, I know that going through this summer through my abilities alone is prideful. Throughout my life, pride is something that I’ve definitely struggled with over and over again. There were times I adopted a false sense of humility, where I felt inferior and had self-defeating thoughts, thinking that this was being humble. Other times, I would be self-seeking and arrogant, thinking I was better than those around me. I noticed that as my pride increased, I tried to take more and more control over my life, leaving God behind me.
Reflecting on this, I know God is prompting me to examine my heart and to humble myself before Him. I love this quote that explains humility as: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less”. But the Word best defines true humility, through the example Jesus Christ set for us. Philippians 2:3-11 says: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Humility comes from an understanding of who God is and who we are in relation to Him. It’s realizing the extent of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and how powerful the Gospel is. As I adopt this mindset that recognizes my need for God, I hope to continue to exalt Him in my life and rest under His mighty hand instead of relying on my own strength. I know I need to let go and recognize my place in God’s plan and let Him direct my steps. As I serve those around me this summer, I pray that my words and actions are Christ-like so that my life brings glory to God. By embracing a “here you are” mentality, where I look to the needs of others and serve with a glad and joyful heart, I hope they will feel the love of Christ that overflows from a humble servant who knows she is unworthy but so loved by a wonderful Father.
Priscilla is returning for a third summer at Sonshine Day Camp, as she feels God calling her back to this ministry. She is passionate about urban missions and hopes to learn more about how to serve those impacted by poverty.