“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.” Numbers 12:3

Humility

The lesson of humility has been a hard one for me. My parents lived out the example of saying what needed to be said and doing what needed to be done. As I grew up, I became someone who felt my opinion mattered so much that everyone should hear it and, even worse, they should do what I do.

God impressed upon me that, as a Christian, I was prideful. Humility is lowliness, being unselfishly concerned for the welfare of others. It was a challenge for me to love and serve others unselfishly. (My mother gave me a good example, but it did not seem natural for me to do the same.)

The Bible shows us that humility is a total lack of conceit or arrogance. For me, it means I do not need to tell others how to live, for God can do that perfectly. I do not need to tell my stories to top the stories of others, for others have testimonies, too. I do not need to be the loudest voice in the room, drawing attention to myself. Others do not have to listen to me, but rather listen to God. And perhaps most important, I wanted to be a humble person so I would be able to hear God’s voice, because the humble will be listening in prayer instead of doing all the talking.

In order to keep my mouth under control, my heart and mind need to be transformed. But habits, mindsets, and worldviews die hard. They become who we are, and color every relationship we have. I have been humbled often enough that you’d think I’d catch pride the very moment it rises up, but sometimes I am still deceived and broadsided by it.

I am (too slowly) transitioning to a position of humility. I wish I could report that the transformation was instantaneous—that when I met the King of kings, I automatically realized my place was so much lower than I knew.

With the Spirit’s help, I choose:

-Lowliness instead of highmindedness.

-Serving instead of ruling.

-Bowing instead of parading.

-Yielding instead of demanding my way (and pouting when I don’t get it).

-Waiting instead of pretending I am the leader in areas where I am not.

Mary’s song in Luke 1:48-49 reminds us that God takes notice of humility: “For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant…” And God blesses a humble woman: “For He who is mighty has done great things for me…” Our response is worship:“Holy is His name.”

“Lord, my deepest desire is to have You as the king of me, taking Your proper and hard-won place on the throne of my life. You are high and lifted up, exalted above all things. May I always exhibit this truth in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”