Being Humble

T.W. Hunt (author of PrayerLife) gives several reasons for the need of humility in our lives: it is commanded; it is wise; it is Jesus example; it is the nature of the Trinity.

When we recognize the need for it, we concern ourselves with how to have the characteristics of humility. T. W. Hunt gives these ideas: seek it; let God do it; recognize it as a fruit of the Spirit; become like a child; esteem others more than self; think of self with sober judgment; fast; get in the presence of God.

Of all the points that he shares, the most significant concerned magnifying the Lord. We certainly can't make God bigger -- we cant even begin to comprehend His greatness! The key to magnifying the Lord is making ourselves smaller or understanding our insignificance in comparison to His greatness. John said, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

In this society that focuses on our personal rights and self promotion, humility is a strange pursuit. It seems to indicate weakness and worthlessness in the world's view. However, in Philippians 2:3-8 Paul says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out of your own personal interest, but also for the interest of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Jesus contrasted the prayer of the Pharisee with the prayer of a tax-gatherer. He said, "for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted." Luke 18:14b