The Humbled Self

​If there is one personality characteristic in short supply in society today, humility would be among those at the top of the list.  We live in a time where aggressiveness is taught, and the thinking is perpetuated, that the only way to get what you want or make it to the top, is by forcing your way there.  Perhaps it is for this very reason it is so important to God that his children exemplify a “spirit of humility.”
 
The challenge of humility is that it is often misinterpreted as weakness, when in fact, to be intentionally humble takes more courage, self-discipline, and strength than a mean aggressive personality could ever muster.  Humility is the guide of our attitude and offers restraint in moments when we, as believers, begin to come unraveled by external circumstances.  Humility quiets us and refocuses our attention on the will of God in our lives, and our service to HIM.  Did I mention this is not particular easy?  Neither was being beaten and hung on a cross, but Our Example did this and exhibited an air of humility.  As I sit here, it is still hard to believe he did all of that for US.
 
Just by its definition, we can see the destruction of a life unguarded by humility.  One of the definitions of humility in the dictionary says it leads us into a freedom from arrogance and pride.  Could the silver bullet in the wisdom of God (by demanding humility from us), be to save us from being overtaken by arrogance and pride?  No doubt it’s that same pride that Proverbs 16:18 says comes before a fall.  According to James 4:10 if we want to be lifted up, we must “humble ourselves” before the LORD, and HE will lift us up.   We’ll talk more about this next week.  This week, as we go about our life, let’s be mindful to do it in a spirit of humility, and honor our Heavenly Father.
 
Blessings.
Lamar