Walk Humbly
The saints, servants, and sages of the church are frequently praised for their humility. They delight in simple things, avoid the spotlight, eschew material goods, downplay their accomplishments, and make their lives among the lowly. This focus on being humble as a follower of Jesus is reinforced when Paul tells the church at Philippi: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves” (Phil. 2:3). The apostle went on connect the attitude of humility with the very mind of Christ. In Philippians 2:8 he says, “Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.”
Yet, as will be seen in this practice, humility is hard to grasp. Indeed, the act of grasping at humility—striving for success at humbleness—seems to cause it to slip through our fingers. And perhaps that is the point. Through studying these sessions, participants will learn that humility is found in the knowledge that life is not a prize to be seized, but a gift to be received with gratitude. All our achievements, our powers and possessions, ultimately come from God and return to God—everything is grace. The four dimensions of this practice that are discussed include: remember that you are dust; favor the lowly; avoid judging others; and speak less, listen more.
Congregational Guide
The Congregational Guide provides materials for the pastor, educator, and church leaders to connect the practice with congregational worship and life.
Included in this guide:
Foundational Essay—written by a biblical scholar, these essays explore what each practice means and where it is found in the Bible
Worship Helps—ways of incorporating this practice in worship through liturgy, song, and other suggestions
Café Discussion Guide—self-guided, brief study for each practice
Intergenerational Session—option for your church to have an event or explore the practice as a whole congregation together
Curriculum Connections—information about what each age level is doing weekly
Practicing the Practice at Home—a two-sided page for families about how to practice the practice at home
Children’s Worship Leaflets—weekly two-sided page with practice ideas, games, an adapted Bible story, and a coloring picture
Series Description
Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living is a twenty-seven-unit curriculum based on practices Jesus did and taught us to do as faithful followers. Written for people of all ages who wish to live out their faith, this new curriculum examines where these practices are found in the Bible and how they have been used in Christian faith then and now.
