Unfortunately, many people abuse the understanding of this passage by expecting others to be humble rather than choosing humility for themselves. Husbands, is this what you expect your wives to do for you? Parents, do you put down your children so they learn to disguise their need to be open with you. Bosses, do you like seeking out a person with low self-esteem so you can feel better about yourself? (cf. Ephesians 5-6)
Is Paul stressing that Christians should put themselves down or that there are some people who are really "better" than you? No! We must remember that Jesus died for everyone - this makes us all worthy of equality. We each have a precious soul worthy of the death of Christ.
Jesus, as God, became a man. By doing so He lowered His status in the Godhead. Yes, He was still God; however, as a man He limited Himself so that He could live like a human being. In essence, He humbled Himself so that He could reach people who have been seperated from God by their sin. He became a humble bridge. A bridge to be crossed. A bridge to be walked on. A bridge that has meaning for people.
It is this example of humility that Christians need to follow. By knowing our place and understanding our example we too can become a "bridge" to God by leading people to the bridge of Christ (cf. Phillipians 2:1-11)
May you be a godly bridge of humility.
The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves