Created To Love Blog: HUMILITY: What is it?
That’s a good question. What is humility? According to Webster, it is the freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble. The Bible describes humility as meekness, lowliness, and absence of self. The Greek word translated “humility” in Colossians 3:12 and elsewhere literally means “lowliness of mind,” so we see that humility is a heart attitude, not merely an outward demeanor. One may put on an outward show of humility but still have a heart full of pride and arrogance. Jesus said that those who are “poor in spirit” would have the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). Being poor in spirit means that only those who admit to an absolute bankruptcy of spiritual worth will inherit eternal life. Therefore, humility is a prerequisite for the Christian; meaning that a person puts another before themselves. For example, the person will allow another person to go before him or her in line at the grocery store. If it comes to putting yourself before someone else, a humble person will put others first most times. Making a habit of being humble usually comes with experiences of being prideful. The Bible says, humble yourself under the hand of God and He will exalt you in due season, and pride comes before the fall (1 Peter 5:6).
Trust me; you do not want God to humble you. It is much better that you listen to the Spirit of God and humble yourself. When God humbles you it can be painful, but a good experience of pain. It causes you to grow by looking closely at a situation that teaches you what happens when you put yourself before others. Just as Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. In his life on earth, He shows us how to serve others through humility.
Take for example marriage. Too many times we want to be right. We will argue the point endlessly to prove that we are right. I used to be that person. I realized that harmony is most important. Whether I am right or wrong does not matter. I am willing to do what is necessary to keep harmony in my household. I am willing to go under, be humble and allow God to handle any situation that I encounter with my husband, friend or another family member. What about your co-workers? How are you serving them? How are you placing them above yourself? God has promised to grace to the humble while opposing the proud (Proverbs 3:34). Try out serving your husband. Try out serving your co-worker. Try out serving your neighbor.
Humility is the very nature of God. When we make decisions that are humbling, we experience the closeness of God; His presence. When we operate in pride we exude the nature of the evil one. We must make a choice. Will you choose to make touchdowns for Jesus? Will you choose to move out of the way and allow Jesus to work in your heart to prepare you for the tasks at hand?
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart for evidence of pride. Pray that He will continue to show you when you are prideful and give you the courage to apologize. Maybe at first, you may apologize a lot, but at some point, you will not have to apologize as much. Why? Because you will experience life change that will purify your heart and soul. You will begin to look more like your Creator.
Blessings and Peace always!
