Humble Strength

“Humility is nothing else but a true knowledge and awareness of oneself as one really is.” (Unknown)

It took some genuine acts of humility last week for her to set aside her pride and conform to the penalty and discipline that was forthcoming. Standing by her side with words of comfort and encouragement, I was absorbed in her ability to stand tall and face the consequences. It was a perfect lesson for me that our failures and mistakes are damaging enough on their own without compounding them by holding on to them in denial. It is hard to move forward past our own petty egos, but being humble means letting go of our own self-sufficiency and leaning on God’s sufficiency. I don’t remember where I read this; I copied it down for a daily humble reminder: “True humility is a recognition that I can't do it by myself. I need the grace of God and I need other Christians. The focus of true humility is God, not self. True humility has no hint of self-effort, but admits a total dependence on God. It is the one condition that God requires for grace to continue in our lives.”

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”  (Proverbs 11:2  ESV)

So often we feel scared, inadequate, or inferior and react with pride and self-importance, rather than obeying and submitting to God and trusting that He has a greater plan. That’s when someone enters our lives and bursts our balloon of self-importance and brings us back to reality! How do we react to these trials of anger and despair? Do we turn to God in faith and seek His help? Our pride can sometimes be a desperate and pathetic expression of inner weakness. But on the other hand, if we’re humble it is a sure sign of real, abiding strength and confidence.  I certainly have a tendency to yield to my own self-will instead of surrendering to God’s will. However, I’m really not in control as much as I’d like to think! I make plans, but it is God who controls the outcome. J When I release my pride and submit to humility I am moved to a place where I can truly live with meaning, purpose, integrity, and real joy!

 “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.” (Philippians 2:6-8)

Jesus showed us what true humility is. He was a humble and obedient man; a servant. While here on earth, He didn't just submit, He surrendered. He handed Himself over to others, He emptied Himself completely. If we want to express the kind of humility that pleases God, we must learn from Jesus and remember His example. Prayer: May our attitude be like the Lord Jesus Christ and may we follow His example of humility, as followers of Christ.