Humility, part three

Philippians 2:3 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves. 

This humility series helped Bob understand what humility is all about and how to put it into action in his life. Now Bob has a question. He wants to know if anyone can see the fruit of his efforts. 

How do you see humility in people? 

Myth #3: Humility means letting others crush your self-worth. 

We can take a lesson from King Solomon who didn’t have a self-worth problem, but was the wisest person who has ever lived on this planet. When God told him to ask for anything, he could have asked for money to spend on earthly pleasures, but he didn’t. His humility helped him ask for the wisdom to serve God’s people well.

Once you’ve humbled yourself and asked God for wisdom, start acting like you’re wise by respecting others and valuing others above yourself. That is how Solomon treated those he was in charge of when he asked for wisdom from God. He knew the people he would govern were valuable to God. He felt responsible to God for their good treatment. 

You can be a great leader and serve in humility.

If you have any wisdom in you, you have enough humility to ask for more wisdom. Treating people with kindness is showing wisdom. And when you act in wisdom, people see your humility. 

Thanks for seeking God with me.

Humility, part two

1 Peter 5:5 

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Last week, we tried to help Bob learn what humility is all about. Now that he understands the concept, he wants to take action. 

How do you humble yourself? 

Myth #2: Humility means letting others smack you down.

No, you don’t have to get smacked down.

Humbling yourself takes place as a willing and voluntary act of leaving the place of honor in your own life. When you lift God to your heart’s high place of honor, you have to step down. 

There are those who have held tightly to their place of honor, making it their own throne, only to be smacked down by life’s humbling surprises. When they see the light of truth, they realize they had no business making themselves the king of their heart’s high place of honor.

Better to step down, than be smacked down. 

In Colossians 3:12, we read, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." We’re supposed to be surrounding ourselves with these positive character traits. We're supposed to be proactive and put them on. 

Humility is something you dress yourself in. You already pick out clothes to wear each day that make you look nice. You can also pick out which character traits you want others to see you wearing. You can choose humility over arrogance every time you speak, act, or are tempted to show a little attitude. 

Next week: Humility, part three

Humility, part one

Proverbs 22:4

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.

Bob has been accused of not listening and being a know-it-all. Bob might be a good candidate for a lesson in humility. Why is this a good idea for Bob? Because it’s better for Bob to humble himself, rather than being surprised when someone else teaches him a lesson in humility.

Bob needs humility. How can we help Bob humble himself? First, Bob needs to know what humility really is.

Myth #1: Humility is putting yourself down.

It’s not about self-criticism. It’s not about attention-getting, over-the-top, fake submissiveness.

Humility is the fear of the Lord.

I don’t believe the Bible teaches us to be afraid of God. To me, the fear of the Lord is about bowing from your heart in reverential respect. You experience the fear of the Lord when you’re so devoted to God that you want all of your thoughts and actions to honor him.

It’s about knowing that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords and being aware that all authority in heaven and on the earth has been given to Jesus. If Jesus is the ultimate authority and you don’t show him honor and respect, then you don’t have humility.

Next week: Humility, part two