I was asked at my ordination if I considered myself to be a humble person. I responded with a humorous one-liner, and we laughed and had no further discussion.
But we should have.
Anyone pursuing Christ must know what humility is, must be determined to dress herself or himself in humility, must be willing to honestly evaluate whether or not we succeed in living in humility and very importantly must be willing to “take our lumps” which come along the path.
In other words learning humility is humbling. No distance learning classes here. No online courses. Humility is learned in life and our pride will suffer.
This is so exciting so we might then ask – What is humility?
Romans 12.3 (NIV)
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Having a right view of ourselves before God and living in agreement with that perspective. Not thinking too highly of ourselves but at the same time avoiding false humility which skews who we truly are. By faith we make a sober judgment as to who we are. We should be serious and intentional in this evaluation.
Honest as to our weaknesses and sins, but just as honest as to our strengths and our righteousness. God will reveal to us who we are if we will listen.
Proverbs 15:33 (NIV)
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
That’s about all I can “thumb” for now.
NEXT POST: What does humility “bring to the table.”
We must clothe ourselves with humility.
Our humility gives us access to places normally prohibited by our pride.
Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
James 3:13 (NIV)
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation. (Saint Augustine)
Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility. (Saint Augustine)
