I heard a joke about a man who wrote a book and arrogantly entitled it, ‘Humility and How I Attained It’… Obviously, he missed the point. The road to humility is not crowded. Humility is not a popular subject. We live in a “dog eat dog society” which has become so culturally narcissistic that the majority doesn’t seem to care who they step on to get ahead. It is a “me first” attitude.
I Peter 5:5-6 addresses this issue: “And be clothed with humility; for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” I have found that when I am willing to bow low, the Most High God takes me to a high place. If you are willing to take the low road, God will place you on the high road.
Psalm 25:9 (NIV)
“He leads the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Humility is not low self-esteem. It is an “I don’t know it all” attitude that is open to learning from others. Rick Warren said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less.
- Give yourself a test of humility. How often do you repeat the words, I, me, and mine? Do you delegate responsibility without interfering? Do you think your schedule and ideas are better and more important than the agenda and opinions of others?
- Recognize your limitations. Life is filled with defining moments that disclose both our level of expertise and inadequacies. Our reactions declare who we are and determine who we will become. They reveal what we are wearing. Are you clothed with humility?
- Allow God to use both your strengths and weaknesses and you will discover your road to humility. It is an optical illusion that appears down hill, while in reality is taking you to a higher level.
“Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways toZion.” Psalm 84:5 (AMP)
