Humility

Hudson Taylor was scheduled to speak at a large Presbyterian church in Melbourne, Australia. The moderator of the service introduced the missionary in eloquent and glowing terms. He told the large congregation all that Taylor had accomplished in China, and then presented him as “our illustrious guest.” Taylor stood quietly for a moment, and then opened his message by saying. “Dear friends, I am the little servant of an illustrious Master.”¹

What humility!

Humility is not a fashionable word to throw around. You don’t hear many people talking about it; it is very rarely spoken about from the pulpit; and if one says they are humble, it usually means they are not.

I knew when I wrote about PRIDE last week that I was obligated to tackle the tough topic of humility next. On a personal level, I desire to be humble, but I fear true humility is way beyond my reach. I feel more comfortable writing about topics I have some degree of knowledge about. Humility can’t be bought or achieved by intellectual means. It can only be obtained as we grow closer and closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. So, because the Bible addresses humility, I will attempt to give some perspective on it.

South Africa
Photo Credit: Greene Family

Michael M. Smith, the author of Becoming more like Jesus, defines humility as a trait that is “indispensable for growth in Christian character – for becoming like Jesus.”² As believers, we are called to be humble people. 2 Chronicles 7:14 states, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

To become humble we must be willing for the Lord to peel pride off our character and be totally God-centered like the Lord Jesus. However, we each have areas in our lives that usually hinder our quest for humility. And, we usually do not like sharing this personal information with others lest they glean something into our character that we don’t want them to see. As you read the next few paragraphs, think about some of the triggers that affect you from becoming more Christ-like, i.e. jealousy regarding a friend’s fabulous vacation; pride because your child received a higher SAT score than their peers; or coveting the larger, custom home of a co-worker.

Characteristics of Humility [a humble person]

• Asks for forgiveness and says, “I’m sorry” quickly;
• Rejoices and praises others, but not themselves;
• Follows Christ's example the best they can;
• Possesses Authenticity;
• Listens to God
• Possesses a grateful/thankful spirit;
• Gives generously;
• Shows modesty regarding their achievements;
• Enjoys serving others;
• Loves others;
• Possesses the 'Fruits of the Spirit';
• Enjoys seeing God in everything;
• Projects sincerity;
• Holds wisdom close by;
• Retains control over their tongue;
• Waits patiently upon God;
• Admits faults easily;
• Overlooks the failures of others;
• Enjoys giving others credit that is due them;
• Understands that they have so much to learn in the spiritual realm;
• Accepts personal responsibility;
• Desires daily encounters with God;
• Longs for a touch from the Holy Spirit;
• Agonizes over sin;
• Compares themselves to the Lord rather than other people;
• Recognizes their need for continual repentance; and
• A humble person will NEVER boast about their humility.

Jesus – A Biblical Example of Humility

The Bible has many examples of humble people: Samuel, Esther, David, Daniel, and more. But, the most humble person in the Bible has to be the Lord Jesus Christ. He washed the feet of his disciples. [John 13:12-17] He gave his heavenly father all glory and honor [John 5:19,30,41] But, the biggest act of humility anyone could give, is that he submitted to God so fully that he took the form of a servant, humbled himself, and became obedient to the point of dying on the cross for our sins. His love for God and us was that strong.

It is one thing to talk about how to recognize a humble person, but we need to get to the point where we pursue or desire to pursue that kind of life ourselves with our entire heart and soul. But how?

Pursuing a Life of Humility involves:

• A willingness and desire to rid ourselves of pride and be humble like Christ;
• Praying for humility;
• Faith in God’s ability to humble us;
• Studying His Word continually;
• Depending daily on the power of the Holy Spirit;
• Following His leadings;
• Living a disciplined life free from sin; and
• Understand that God expects us to be humble.

Look to the Father
Photo Credit: Greene Family

Humility does not appear overnight. It is a trait that takes time to develop. We need time to grow into a person who is permeated with wisdom and grace. We will be tested to see if we will follow Him in many different circumstances. We need time to be taught what is right and wrong. We need time for the Word of God to blend into our life and character. But, as we experience more of God, we will find following him much easier as days pass by. With His grace, God’s strength will be perfected in us. As we find ourselves falling more in love with God, His Word, and our time communicating with Him, we will grow in humility. We might not even notice it, but others will. Look for opportunities to practice humility. Pray for those opportunities. Let’s stop tooting our own horn and let God have His way with us because he really is our "Illustrious Master."

Blessings Always,

Patti

Bible Verses:

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:7-11

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Romans 12: 10-16

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Prayer:

Oh Jesus, I confess my proud spirit to you right now. Please give me the discipline to develop my character to become more like you. I desire your presence in all areas of my life. Make my prayer life and Bible reading be filled with your Holy Spirit’s leading, so I can be the person you designed me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

¹Wiersbe, Warren. Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching and Preachers. 7 Dec. 2015. p. 243.

²Smith, Michael. Becoming More like Jesus. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1999.

Pride

A man received a promotion to the position of Vice President of the company he worked for. The promotion went to his head, and for weeks on end he bragged to anyone and everyone that he was now a VP. His bragging came to an abrupt halt when his wife, so embarrassed by his behavior, said, "Listen Bob, It's not that big a deal. These days everyone's a vice president. Why they even have a vice president of peas down at the supermarket!" Somewhat deflated, Bob rang the local supermarket to find out if this was true. "Can I speak to the Vice President of peas please?" he asked, to which the reply came: "of fresh or frozen?"¹

Frozen Peas
Photo Credit: Greene Family

The world defines pride as a feeling that you respect yourself and deserve to be respected by other people and a feeling that you are more important or better than other people.² From a spiritual viewpoint, the late Adrian Rogers says, "Pride is a declaration of independence." It is like saying, "God, I am self-sufficient. I have everything I need. Your services are no longer required."

In Proverbs 6:16-19 being proud is listed as the first of the six/seven deadly sins the Lord hates. "These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies. And one who sows discord among brethren." Pride lives in the heart of man and it precedes destruction.

King Uzziah, an Old Testament King of Judah, became king when he was only sixteen years old. He started his 52-year reign seeking the Lord and was mentored by the Old Testament prophet Zechariah. However, as he became successful in both his political and military endeavors, he changed. He grew very proud and thought very highly of himself. Uzziah was a very good man and a great leader, but when he prospered, his pride began to develop to the point he became very angry when he was confronted by Azariah and eighty other courageous priests of the Lord about his burning incense to the Lord. Proud people do not like to be confronted and be told what they should or shouldn't be doing. While he was still angry at the priests, God allowed him to fall to leprosy. At the end of his life, he was known more for his arrogance and pride than the man he first was. His "destruction" manifested as we see in 2 Chronicles 26:22-23 when it says, "Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, from first to last, the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz wrote. So Uzziah rested with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of burial which belonged to the kings, for they said, 'He is a leper.'" Note, he was not remembered as the great King he was, but as the leper he became due to pride. This is an apt example of pride coming before the fall.

We all have some degree of pride in our lives. And, all pride isn't bad. If you are proud of your child's accomplishments; if you are proud of re-staining an old dresser, that is pride in the good sense. The apostle Paul was proud of the Corinthians when he said, "I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy." 2 Corinthians 7:4

But, let's look at some characteristics of a proud person. One may possess various degrees of these traits. 

In the world, a proud person may:

• Look down on people and things;
• Glory in themselves;
• Focus on the failures and bad points of others;
• Be overly confident in their knowledge;
• Be self-righteous;
• Feel a company or ministry should be privileged to employ them;
• Be a demanding person;
• Have to always prove that he or she is right and you are wrong;
• Blame others, but rarely themselves;
• Be concerned about their reputation and how others perceive them;
• Argue and defend oneself when criticized;
• Seek adoration and praise from others;
• Have a difficult time saying they are sorry;
• Have a difficult time asking for forgiveness;
• Want to be served by others;
• Compare themselves to others, especially in the area of class, money, possessions, and even spirituality; and/or
• Boast in their achievements and accomplishments.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

In the spiritual realm, a proud person may:

• Not be able to confront their individual sins, because they would rather deal in vague generalities;
• Try to hide their sins and faults;
• Find it hard to share their spiritual needs;
• Believe they have no need to repent;
• Be self-righteous;
• Believe in their intellect about spiritual aspects; and/or
• Neglect God because they feel they are good enough or know enough already.

As believers, we should desire to break the power that pride may have in our lives - before destruction befalls us. We do this by asking God to change our heart. Our desire should be to turn from our pride toward humility - a topic we will discuss next week. While a  proud person finds it hard to even pray, let us pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ and for those who are putting off accepting the Lord due to pride, so they will be filled with the hope, joy, and peace that can be received when we are close to Jesus. Pray the Holy Spirit will soften their hearts to hear the Word of God and desire His presence in their lives.

Blessings Always,

Patti

Bible Verses on Pride:

You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains. Who can ever reach us way up here?’ you ask boastfully. But even if you soar as high as the eagles and build your nest among the stars, I will bring you crashing down, says the Lord. Obadiah 1:3-4

And I will break the pride of your power, and I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. Leviticus 26:19

He sees everything that is high; he is king over all the sons of pride. Job 41:34

Let the lying lips be mute, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt. Psalm 31:18

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. Proverbs 8:13

When pride comes, then comes disgrace but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 29:23

I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless. Isaiah 13:11

I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. 2 Corinthians 7:4

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:16

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, please let me keep a check on any pride that may seep into my life. Let me learn to recognize pride in myself and let me learn to lay my prideful moments at your feet. Help me to become a humble person. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit as I seek to understand pride and humility in both myself and others. Let me stay prayed up and in communication with you daily. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

¹Anonymous. Vice President of Peas. Stories for Preaching. Retrieved from www.storiesforpreaching.com

²Rogers, Adrian. “The Peril of Pride.” One Place. 15 Feb. 2011. www.oneplace.com.

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Titus

My husband’s cell phone alarm is set to the song Where I Belong written by Jason Ingram and Jason Roy with the Christian band Building 429. I woke up to this song today feeling that I was watching Paul and Titus’ relationship "from the outside." 

 

"To Titus, my true child in a common faith." Titus 1:4

Sometimes it feels like I’m watching from the outside­­­­

Sometimes it feels like I’m breathing but am I alive

I will keep searching for answers that aren’t here to find

All I know is I’m not home yet

This is not where I belong

Take this world and give me Jesus

This is not where I belong.

I recently read the book of Titus where these two men, Titus and Paul, were portrayed as being so different. I felt like I was peering down upon two different lives, from two different backgrounds, and from two different perspectives. And, I was. However, even with their vast differences, they were both solidly united in a common ministry by their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Titus was a Gentile who did not follow Jewish tradition. Paul was a Jewish Christian at the time of this writing. Little is known about the early life of Titus. Much is known about the early life of Paul. Titus was a trusted aide who delivered Paul’s letters to various congregations. He was there to help Paul out when church problems arose and Paul was unable to be there to help. Some say Titus was converted by Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary journey and was mentored by Paul leading to his maturity in the Lord. Paul’s high opinion of Titus is seen in 2 Corinthians 2:13 where we see the overwhelming concern and care Paul bestowed upon Titus. Titus became his commissioned servant. His calling was to build up the church. This is where the book of Titus begins.

At this point, Titus is on the island of Crete pastoring a church. Paul was writing to instruct Titus on how to run the church. It is said that Paul made a very politically incorrect statement in Titus 1:12 when he says, “One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’” This is the background where Paul gives Titus instructions about how to be an administrator at the church; how to handle the responsibilities of his church; and how to deal with heresy and personal matters. Paul was mentoring his trusted aide.

Titus had a track record of being a faithful and trustworthy servant. Paul knew he was an organized person who could lead others, but he still wanted to share with his friend and mentee in this pastoral letter. Paul knew Titus was a man who would follow his instructions for the good of Christ. Isn’t it nice to know we are not in ministry alone? It is a blessing to have friends who encourage us to live a higher standard and serve as a role model to us.

I encourage you to read the entire book of Titus, but for now, let’s take a quick peek at some of the instructions Paul gives Titus in the three short chapters of the book. Paul is encouraging Titus to lead the Cretan church to become a healthy church through sound doctrine. While it sounds like Paul is just giving a checklist for the congregation to follow, his overwhelming desire is to lead others to eternal life and a solid commitment to the Lord.

Titus : A commissioned servant of God called to build up the Church of Crete

Qualifications for Elders

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” Titus 1:5-9 ESV

Teaching Sound Doctrine

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.  Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” Titus 2:1-10. ESV

How to live a Christian life

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” Titus 3:1-11 ESV

I was a high school librarian for 15 years. During those 15 years, I had a trusted library aide. While many aides at other schools came and went leaving the librarians to continually have the responsibility to retrain new people, I was privileged I did not have to do that. My aide was with me for the entire fifteen years working side by side with me. She was an enormous asset to me in my job. I believe that Titus was an enormous asset and aide to Paul and to the early church. Both Paul and Titus’ faithfulness and work ethic was building up the church. And as the song goes, I am sure both Paul and Titus were living their lives knowing they were "not home yet." They were "not where they belonged." They took this world and Jesus seriously and lived their lives for God.

And, so should we!

God Bless.

Patti Greene

Bible Verses:

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance. Proverbs 1:5

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:5-7

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father. Let me be a vessel You can use today and always. Give me mentors along the way to encourage and teach me your ways. As I grow in You, give me opportunities to help and lead others to a saving faith in Jesus Christ and a strong commitment to You. And Lord, I pray for the Island of Crete today so the people will learn to have a living faith in You and not just a cultural tradition for You as Titus and Paul so strongly desired. I love you Lord. Amen.


#BGBG2

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