Humility

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

I am learning about humility, which is a different thing than actually practicing humility. I have so much to learn! What is true humility, and what does it look like, as practiced in today’s society?

The dictionary definition of the word humble is not proud or haughty; not arrogant or assertive. It is reflecting, or expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission. Submission?! Uh-oh, there’s another minefield. Humble means ranking low in a hierarchy or scale; insignificant, unpretentious. Another definition is not costly or luxurious.

Listen to the synonyms: common, ignoble, inferior, low, unwashed, and vulgar. To humble someone means to abase, chasten, cheapen, degrade, demean, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, foul, humiliate, lower, shame, smirch. Whoa! Does that sound like something I want to pursue? There is so much “dis” in this list.

Now hear the antonyms: arrogant, conceited, egotistic, haughty, huffy, imperious, pompous, uppity. Well, I don’t want to pursue those characteristics either.

What my heart wants is to be the woman of faith and virtue God has called me to be, but I find I choke on humility.  It doesn’t go down easy. I don’t see much humility in the world I live in. We brag and boast and express our many opinions and want to have things our way and on our own terms. We seek the admiration of others. We want the credit and acknowledgement we feel is our due. Oh, the flesh wants what the flesh wants.

Then I look at Jesus.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).

The High and Lofty One left heaven’s glory to rescue and redeem sinful humanity. The Almighty took the form of weak and mortal mankind, not considering His reputation or His rights. The King became a slave and did it gladly and willingly. He lived and breathed humility. Because of Jesus we have a living hope and have been met with mercy and grace. The cross did not stop Him. The grave did not stop Him. He finished the perfect work of salvation and did it all in humility. This then is my definition of humility: Jesus.

Who am I to balk at humility? My Lord has demonstrated it, taught it, and has called me to walk humbly with my God. I have much to learn, but this humility He calls me to is not too much to ask. I am but a sinner saved by His grace. I am indebted to Him forever. All that is good and beautiful in my life has come from His hand and He calls me to this humility. Because of all He has done for me, because of all He sacrificed for my sake, I find a willingness to follow in His footsteps.

Let this mind be in me to esteem others better than myself, to have a servant heart, to refrain from bragging about myself or my accomplishments, but instead brag on Jesus. Let this mind in me not be concerned about what others think of me, but treasure only what God thinks of me. May I be obedient to my humble King, no matter the cost to my flesh. I have such a long way to go learning to yield, learning to obey, learning to measure my words or even to keep silent, but He is worth it!

“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility” (Proverbs 15:33).

Jesus, You were gentle and lowly, You washed the feet of men, You triumphed over sin and death and hell. You are Savior and coming King! You resist the proud and meet the humble with grace. Teach me to walk in Your ways and not be ashamed at Your coming. Amen.