There is a common stigma that comes with the word “humble.” When we think of the word, it is somehow associated with weakness or submission on a negative level. That is what satan wants you to believe and he injects pride in you to hinder humility.
When I was younger, and my siblings and I were engaged in a dispute, my Mother always said, “be the bigger person.” I rejected that but I don't begrudge her because her intentions were pure and she tried to find a way to a peaceable home. So I feel like when the word humble was thrown around, it is rejected naturally because of our prideful nature.
When I was younger, and my siblings and I were engaged in a dispute, my Mother always said, “be the bigger person.” I rejected that but I don't begrudge her because her intentions were pure and she tried to find a way to a peaceable home. So I feel like when the word humble was thrown around, it is rejected naturally because of our prideful nature.
As I grew in my relationship with Christ, the concept of humility began to transform into its new meaning. Humility is now submission to God’s will, taking a transformation from a faltered human being into a Christ-like existence. When Jesus said, “turn the other cheek,” he didn’t mean lose yourself and submit to an oppressor. He meant do not match evil for evil. When someone treats you badly, repay it with humility and love, even going as far as blessing them. As humans, it is very difficult to do. However, it takes a strong bond with God to be able to present a good example for people to tap into their inner good and get in touch with their inner conviction. God is our ultimate protector and avenger. He doesn’t avenge on our behalf so that we could be proud and be puffed up. He does, however, avenge to convict the perpetrator to turn back to Him and at the same time become eventually remorseful about their evil deeds done to you and others.
Furthermore, humility is also professing that Jesus is Lord, giving Him all the glory from all our successes to attract unbelievers to turn back to Him if they like what they see in us and wish the same for themselves. Not taking credit for the good things we have done but instead giving the credit to God, who is, after all, the creator of all things.
Humility raises us up to a higher level, not the other way around. Imagine getting a job, or a prestigious award. If we give God the glory, He will keep pouring out the blessings to us. However, if we credit our successes to our own abilities, it is as if we are saying that we don’t need God in our lives, and that is a very, very dangerous road to travel on. Standing alone without God is the worst thing you could possibly do. God is the creator of everything, including you, the person you glorify. Would it be right for you to take full credit for that?
Ok, so you are now humble. What's next? Paul answers our questions in Philippians 2: 1-11. He said:
"Is there encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee show bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Ok, so you are now humble. What's next? Paul answers our questions in Philippians 2: 1-11. He said:
"Is there encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee show bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
What is your story? How are you exercising humility in your life? Are you honoring God by giving Him the glory for every good thing that happened to you? I sure hope so. God is a jealous God. It was important enough for Him to put it in the 10 Commandments, thou shall not have strange gods before me, nor worship an image of any kind. Honoring ANYTHING OTHER than God is IDOLATRY! Think about it, dig deep into your gut and understand it! I pray that you find God within and become His friend. Talk with Him daily. Ask Him to guide you into humility. Not the kind that makes you feel weak, but the kind that will empower and honor you. It's like an awesome circle, you honor Him, He will honor you, you honor Him, He will honor you, and on and on and on. It works!
Until my next rant… LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!!
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