In recognition of humility. (take-off from James 3.13-16)

Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.1 True humility comes from a place of strength and inner security. Genuinely humble people who have a desire to seek the well-being of others are generally very secure people. They are fully aware of their gifts, their training, their experience, and all the attributes that make them successful at whatever they do. That security--that honest, healthy self-assessment--results in more than healthy self-assessment--results in more than a humble constitution; it translates into actions that can be observed, actions that we will want to emulate.2

But as we studied in “Humility – a virtue to be desired” … the humble do not feel the need to trumpet their successes or play ‘know-it-all.’ They continue to do the things that make them successful – such as listening well, taking time for others, and learning from other people. We have been talking about humility, of course, maybe unaware that it is so rich a subject until now! And so akin to love . . .

Another valuable step in learning about personal humility is to observe someone who is truly humble. Study him . . . why is he like that? I can still remember when I learned the Self-Emptying Theory in Philippians chapter 2 in college some 34 years ago, and the impact it made on me. Having recently studied Philippians, you will remember it, starting in verse 5: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in human appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! Isn't it interesting that Paul said 'have the same attitude' as Jesus -- wait a second, is humility an attitude? (look up 'attitude' in your dictionary -- did Paul say this right? Is humility an attitude?) Then it should be easily changed, correct? I think it is a matter of seeing the value of HUMILITY, putting a premium on it personally, and again, seeing our rightful place before God.

Remarkably, no matter what was said or done to Jesus, he was unbelievably humble. Again, what an upside-down economy from ours! Whoever is the least among us will be the greatest . . . huh?

We cannot underestimate the impact of the cultural values trying to press in about us at all times--trying to shape us . . . trying to mold us. Whereas, Paul warned us, ‘do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed …’, or as the Philips translation states, ‘do not let the world squeeze you into its mold’!

We remember that Jesus told the arrogant Pharisees, who had a puffed-up, improper view of self, that the greatest commandment was 'to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, strength... and love our neighbor as ourselves.' (Mark 12.30, 31) Paul elaborates on this when he says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2.3-4)

Again, the common dictionary definition says pride is: a sense of one's own proper dignity or value; self-respect. Where do we get proper dignity? It is the realization we are nothing, and we have nothing, but by the grace of our Creator. Did you choose your height? Did you choose your family of origin or place of birth, realizing most of us were born in freedom? 'O, no you dint, child--'

You are a person of worth because you are loved by God, extended his grace, invited into relationship with him--there to live with him forever! That is what gives you your worth, (even though you might be 'right fine' lookin' and all) So, there is no basis for arrogant pride. Instead, let us put others' needs and feelings above our own--let's move toward humility.

Humility . . . so much to think about, but first we must value it,

we must esteem it, and desire to be about it ourselves so that we will be teachable, quietly confident, patient, teachable, good listeners, courteous, forgiving, and known for giving others the benefit of the doubt—indeed, always believing the best of others!

Ah, humility . . . first, we need to recognize its value, and then we need to purpose to bring it back.

Grace and peace,

Christine

1 Proverbs 22.4

2 Chuck Swindoll, So, You Want to be Like Christ?