Humility: July 2021
One of the ways that Jesus revolutionized the world was when he redefined humility. Before Jesus, no one put humility on the list of traits a person should have. The famous philosopher Aristotle actually describes humility in the same list he as lying. It’s not hard to understand why. We have all been around people whose definition of humility does not seem very truthful. Someone at a ladies Bible study bakes an amazing cake and when others comment on how wonderful it is she says, “Oh, it was nothing really, I’m not even that good of a baker.” Or a person is an amazing preacher at church and when people comment on the sermon the preacher responds, “I’m just the lowliest speaker really.” False humility has nothing to do with what Jesus modeled and taught.
One great preacher put it this way: Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking about yourself less. Humility is not about thinking bad things about yourself, or putting yourself down. Jesus did not think badly of himself (he let his disciples worship him!), but Paul still says he was a model of the kind of humility we are to have. (Philippians 2:3-5) When we spend time thinking badly of ourselves we are still thinking about…ourselves! Jesus shows us that true humility is turning our attention towards others. That’s why our definition of humility is:
Humility : Putting others first by giving up what you desrve.
Kuzvininipisa- Kufunga vamwe pekutanga zvishuwo zvako zvisati zvazadziswa
Ukuthobeka – ukunaka abanye eskhundleni sokuthi uthole okukufaneleyo
We start off this month with a story where Jesus gets down on the floor and washes his disciples feet. Sometimes putting others first means we have to be willing to do lowly jobs.
In week two, we listen to Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane. Even though Jesus is filled with worry about his coming suffering he chooses to pray, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Some times putting others first means I have to let go of what I want.
In week three, we see a Centurion use all of his influence to help a sick servant. Whatever gifts God has given us were meant to be used to help those who are smaller than us.
Finally, we end the month looking at Paul’s famous passage on humility in Philippians 2. Paul shows us how the story of the cross can change the way we think about what it means to live in community with others.
I know with the continued lockdown there are many uncertainties ahead, but one thing that is certain is that your investment to disciple the next generation is the best way to equip your kids to have the amazing future God wants for them.
May God give us all wisdom and grace as we navigate these challenging circumstances.
Humility Teaching Packet
The full packet includes teaching scripts, discussion questions, optional dramas, and activities. This month has some amazing fun activities to teach about humility! This month will help your kids have a better life and be better at life!
Download Song: Lay it down (Amber Sky) (lyrics)
Humility Posters & Graphics
Help your students and parents remember your lessons with great posters. Available in English, Shona, & Ndebele. There are two versions below, full size files for printing and smaller files for sharing on social media (via WhatsApp or Instagram).
All Five English Posters: Full File Size (Theme Poster + 4 Weekly Posters)
All Five Shona Posters: Full Size Size
All Five Ndebele Posters: Full Size Size
Smaller Versions for Social Media: English, Shona, or Ndebele
