God and humility — The meaning of humility in the Bible Many people have the wrong idea about God, the Bible and humility, or being humble. They think being humble means groveling in front of others or thinking were no good and others are better. Thats not what the Bible says. God says when you are humble, you are free from pride and arrogance. You know that in your flesh you are inadequate, yet you also know who you are in Christ. You dont need to defend yourself when you understand what the Bible says about humility, for you know who you are in Christ. You can be a peacemaker without needing to fight for your rights. You can walk humbly in the power of the Holy Spirit, not in your own strength. Godly humility is being comfortable with who you are in the Lord and therefore putting others first. The picture of humility in the Bible is one of a strong person who loves others, not someone who is a wimp. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3) In the Bible, Jesus gives us a good example of humility in action. Although he was humble, he was also strong. I am gentle and humble in heart. (Matthew 11:29) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8) Humility in action Many people misunderstand the Bible, God, and humility. They think humility means being weak or passive. Thats not Gods message to us. The following statements show the power in humility. You can defuse arguments when you are humble. You dont need to stand up for yourself in an angry manner. And you dont have to win every argument. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1) You can handle unfair treatment peacefully when you are humble. You can respond to unfair treatment without becoming bitter. Godly humility means you do not feel a need for vengeance or revenge. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32) You do not have to put on a false front when you are humble. When you understand God and humility, you dont need to act like a big shot. The better you know God, the less you have to prove. You can eat humble pie without being crushed when you are humble. When you are humble, you can respond to and learn from criticism without becoming defensive—whether it is deserved or not deserved. Likewise, you can be aware of your failures without being emotionally devastated. You can ask for forgiveness when you are humble. Even if you think you are only one percent wrong, you can easily apologize for what you did wrong. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24) You can talk with the right attitude when you are humble. You can talk courteously and lovingly, regardless of the situation—even if you need to be firm or take strong action. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 18:51:27 +0000
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