Humility

Humility seems to be a virtue that is not entirely easy to describe. In some understanding of the word, it would seem that in humility there is a total absence of pride and a low estimate of one’s self. That definition would be seem to say that it's almost a lack of confidence and pride you should have. When in fact having confidence and pride has a tremendous role in all of our lives, its just a matter of where they are directed that dictates the role it will play. 


While taking pride in the fact that God is at work in our lives and that because of Christ, the Father and the Spirit of God that dwells in us, we are an amazing creation, it needs to stay away from anything like self-conceit. While we can be confident and think very highly of ourselves in that God created us and is doing a good work in us, there should be no self-praise in humility. Rather it has the disposition to praise others, specifically meaning Christ. We are to be confident people in God's power and redemption, being his children and exalt God through our lives and the works of our lives. 


Following these lines of humility will bring about a constant focus on the greatness of God in and around our lives.  It is this constant focus that allows us to treat others better than ourselves or as we would like to be treated. Because all people are made in the image of God there is no need for us to hold my goodness and success over people. All we are is because God has allowed us to be and we can be proud of that and who he has made us, but because of this we should be humble enough in our words, actions and responses to help others know the same Christ.


Your Challenge
God puts a great price on humility of heart. It is good to be clothed with humility as with a garment. It is written, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” That which brings the praying soul near to God is humility of heart.


Look for examples of humility in scripture, it will not be difficult to find. Its full of men like Job, Moses, and Paul are good places to start. Looking through the gospels take note of how Jesus handled situations when people tried to exalt him or when they wanted to give him praise for what he was doing or saying. We never see self deprecation but instead a humility that pointed to God as power, authority and most of all the Father. That is our example, our baseline for comparison. Then really take a look at the humility in your life. Is it there? Is it inline with the examples found in scripture? "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." James 1:21 (NIV)


Without a doubt, we are called to humble ourselves.

(Ephes. 4:1-2; Col. 3:12-13; Romans 12:3; Romans 12:10) 

Jesus was humble and eager to be our example

(Matthew 11:29) 

The Example of Paul

Acts 20:18-21) 

The result

(Psalm 25:9; James 4:10) (Matthew 18:3-4)