The Right Kind of Humility

15
Apr

1 Peter 5:6-7 – “Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty had of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Being humble through the eyes of God, is not the same as being humble through the eyes of men — in the same way that it is better for us to be exalted by God, and not by men. The dividing difference is that when we exalt ourselves, we magnify pride. And pride, according to the the Word of God: only breeds quarrels, goes before destruction, leads to disgrace, conflict, arrogance, is the way of evil, and ultimately, ends in humiliation.

This attitude of pride is self serving and leads to self righteousness. It is the wrong kind of humility told in the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The first, prayed about himself: “I am not like other men, robbers, evildoers, adulterers, I fast twice a week.” (Luke 18:11-12).

But the right kind of humility is not proud, it is not self-serving, it does not boast in oneself or ones’ achievements. It is humbling, it realizes the greatness of God, it realizes that we need the grace and mercies of God everyday, it realizes our sinful human nature and that we only survive because of God’s unfailing love and protection.

The right kind of humility is a virtue and a garment from God, as it is written: “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12).

The right kind of humility points to Jesus, who humbled Himself to human form, who laid His life down for us, who endured the cross, and who tells us: “learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart — and you will find rest for our souls.” (Matthew 11:29).

If you ever felt humiliated, just wait for the Lord, because, in due time, “He” will exalt you!

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