Always Stay Humble

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ 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 2:5-8 NIV

In a story titled “He could’ve gone anywhere. How this runner ended up at WSU and shattered a record” published by The Wichita Eagle yesterday, Wichita State cross country coach Kirk Hunter expressed his glee over having Elkana Kipruto on his team after he entered the NCAA transfer portal following a breakout freshman year. 

“We didn’t really find him,” Hunter said. “He found us.” Kipruto, now a sophomore for the Shockers, could’ve gone just about anywhere after he racked up four Southland Conference running titles during his freshman year at Stephen F. Austin. But fate, and a friend, steered him to the Shockers. Unbeknownst to Hunter, he had already recruited one of Kipruto’s childhood friends from Kenya, Kelvin Kipyego, in WSU’s 2025 class. When Kipyego vouched for the Shockers, the decision became easy. Kipruto, or “Elly” as he’s known on the team, trusted his friend and soon Wichita State had quietly landed one of the most talented distance runners in the country.

“It was almost disbelief,” Hunter said. “With that kind of talent, he can go anywhere he wants. Everybody in the country would want that guy. So the fact that he’s here and running for us, we’re extremely thankful. Because he’s not just a fabulous runner, he’s a fabulous individual too.”

What makes Kipruto’s story even more remarkable is how humble he is given his talent. Hunter describes him as someone who quietly picks up trash after practice, helps teammates clean up the locker room and thanks the training staff after workouts.

And I would agree with Hunter that it’s indeed remarkable (and heartwarming) to see a gifted athlete display such humility, especially at such a young age. This humility sets him apart as much as his talent does. And this is the same type of humility that every believer should display. After all, people are more inspired to seek Jesus when we display the mindset of Jesus in our relationships with others. 

You see, Christ 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!” This death on the cross provided victory over death for every person that chooses to accept Him as Savior of their lives—who choose to turn from their sins and turn to Jesus. 

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Knowing that we are powerless over death without Jesus Christ then reminds us all that we are on a level playing field regardless of our talents or gifts. Furthermore, everything we have comes from God to be used for God. Hence the reason we are to honor God with our bodies—something we do by following the example of humility Jesus set for us.

So, knowing that we inspire a lost world to seek Christ by our actions as much as our words, seek to be like Jesus my friend. In all your relationships look for ways to serve and always acknowledge God as the Giver of all good things. This mindset will ensure that God gets all the glory and we remain humble. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that believers are to be set apart by the humility they show in serving others among other ways. Help us to develop the mindset of Jesus Lord that we might love You as He did and love others as He did. Help us to impact our world by our words and deeds. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!