Beauty In Humility

There is beauty in humility. Someone displaying humility is a breath of fresh air compared to a person suffering from arrogance.

I once used the television show, The Bachelor, to illustrate honesty and now, once again, it provides another example for "Practical Christianity" . . . humility. This time, however, it is a single young lady attempting to find her soul mate and the show, aptly named The Bachelorette, introduced us to thirty young men vying for Jillian's attention.

Episode by episode, the arrogance of one of the male contestants slowly crept out. David appeared to be plagued with an overabundance of testosterone and a lack of humility. In one show he wanted to beat up a rival and then he gloated to Jillian that he was used to being "top dog". In another episode he was flabbergasted when Jillian refused to give him a little kiss.

I realize much of what takes place on most reality shows ends up on the cutting room floor so sometimes things are not always as they seem. However, after the kiss-refusing scene, I was flabbergasted when David thought Jillian was really "digging" him and playing hard to get. He must have missed the "get me outta here" look on Jillian's face when he went in for a smooch. A more humble man probably would have been more of a gentleman and probably would have not have put his date in that position or made such arrogant remarks. Needless to say, that was his last episode . . .Jillian sent him packing.

My intention is not to spend a lot of time on arrogance, but a good, "bad" example is a powerful learning tool. Now that we've seen an illustration of an arrogant attitude, let's look at a great example of humility, Jesus. If we pick up any of the Gospels, we are flooded with pictures of Jesus' humility. He associates with and cares for everyone no matter their social or economic status, their age or livelihood, nationality, or gender. He never usurps God's authority, and He dies for our sins even though He is the King of kings! Jesus displays humility and, even though He is who He is, He never forces Himself on anyone despite the fact He loves us dearly.

No Christian should walk around with a big head. I absolutely love my identity in Christ and, on most days, I feel like royalty; a daughter of the King. But a haughty daughter is not an accurate reflection of God. As believers, we need to carry ourselves in a humble manner and the Bible offers many ways to help us elevate humility in ours lives.

Humility is obedient - "And being found in appearance as man, he [Jesus] humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on the cross" (Philippians 2:8 NIV).

Humility recognizes God's authority and power - "Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time (I Peter 5:6).

Humility is a lifestyle - "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8 NIV).

Humility is true life - "Humility and fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life" (Proverbs 22:4).

Humility exalts - "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11).

Humility is not easy - "I [Paul] served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews" (Acts 20:19).

Not only does the Bible say much about humility. . .but examples jump from the pages as we read about those who have gone before us.

Paul - This Apostle's career started as "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless" (Philippians 3:3). Yet, he was humbled before God on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) and became a humble servant.

King Nebuchadnezzar - This Gentile ruler in the Old Testament built the Babylonian empire. He became cocky despite the prophet Daniel warnings. He was knocked off his pedestal when he became insane and acted like a cow, living in the fields, and eating grass. When this "king of the cows" finally raised his eyes toward heaven, his sanity was restored and he praised, honored, and glorified God. Daniel 4 closes with these incredible words from a Gentile king: "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble" (Daniel 4:37).

Stephen - This first Christian martyr reflected Jesus, showed us what true life is, and proved that humility is not always easy. After being seized by the Sanhedrin, the highest ruling body in Israel, Stephen is accused of blaspheming against Moses and God; punishable by stoning. During his stoning, the heavens opened up allowing Stephen to see the glory of God and Jesus in heaven. His last words as he fell to his knees were, "Lord receive my spirit," and "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." What an unselfish display of humility before the world.

Humility is beautiful under severe circumstances. But, it is equally beautiful in our everyday lives. Practical Christianity strives to be humble. Are we obedient? Do we recognize God's authority and power? Do we make humility a lifestyle or do we show it only to those we like or want to impress? Are we willing to die for our faith? Does our humility exalt us or does arrogance get us voted out of the game of life?

These are hard questions, but they will lead us to life. Humility isn't always easy, but if you had a chance to ask Paul, King Nebuchadnezzar, or Stephen where true life is, I'm sure they would say, "In humility!"

(c)2009 Shona Neff