Photo: Getty Images for IAAF

"there has only ever been one perfect man, the Lord Jesus, and we killed him. I only missed a putt."

Berhard Langer on the 1991 Ryder Cup

Humility

Paul challenges the Philippians to value others above themselves. How hard is that! If you are in an individual sport where it is dog eat dog – or even in a team sport where everyone is competing for a place in the starting line-up, how do you value others above yourself?

Paul says the starting point is to look at the example of Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8) Humility might be called a core value of Christianity.

I remember once sitting with an Olympic champion. Someone came and asked for a photo – with the Olympian not with me! After the photo, the Olympian, turned to me and said: “I don’t get it; why would she want a photo with me?” It was a genuine humility from a person who did not feel special just because of an ability to run fast.

When everyone treats you differently and your achievements are recognized – even at club level as opposed to the world stage – it can be hard to remain humble.

I was once involved with a football team playing in a Christian tournament. The players were amateur or semi-pro. There was one former Premier League player in the team. After the first game everyone threw their match shirts on the floor. Next thing I saw was the ex Premier League player picking them up. Next match he was carrying the water bottles out to the field. Humility!

Express your faith today in a practical way, showing that you understand the core values.

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