Getting Humble
When people strive to be somebody, they’re often trying to be somebody else. But look around at the people you admire most, and you’ll find humility. Humility may be the most revered character trait from God’s perspective. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,” said Jesus.
So how do we get low and get humble? Two ways . . .
- Gratitude – a grateful heart is a humble heart. A man who realizes everything he has, his skills, his position, his opportunities, his relationships, come from the Lord . . . that’s a man who’s well on his way to a humble heart. When we give ourselves credit for the good stuff in our lives, we become proud. We think it’s all because of our intelligence, our tenacity, our intuition, or our personality. Prisons are populated with guys like that. Some of them aren’t bad people . . . they just hung around bad people and made bad decisions trying to be somebody or have something. But the cool thing about gratitude is it’s a choice you can make. If we choose to believe God is who He says He is and that “every good and perfect gift is from above,” then we have no reason to be arrogant or proud.
- Brokenness – This is the way most proud hearts become humble hearts. So, few of us have the faith to humble ourselves and recognize God in His rightful place. We have to stumble and fall and inflict significant collateral damage on our wives, families, businesses, churches, and communities. The path to brokenness is littered with shattered hearts and busted dreams . . . consequences of sin born of pride and selfishness. Andy Stanley says, “Every sin comes prepackaged with consequences.” None of us can avoid those prepackaged consequences, some are just more visible and public. Our sins and their consequences become like scars, the pain may go away but the memory of what we did, what we caused, who we hurt, what we took away from the people we love . . . that never goes away.
So, choose to have a humble heart and avoid the brokenness and collateral damage from sin and selfishness. Choose gratitude over pride. Own it. Take responsibility for your pride, arrogance, sin, and selfishness.
And when it comes to any brokenness you may have already caused, thank Jesus for taking that junk to the cross for you. Accept His gift of forgiveness and respond with a lifelong chorus of “Thank you, Jesus. Thank you. Thank you!”
Scripture: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)
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Responses (1)
Love the post. Very practical as well. So, last night I had a conversation with a guy from my church on this very topic and how we both struggle with it. When I came home, my devotional by Max Lucado was on…humility! Then I open my e-mail this morning and you have written this article. I guess the Holy Spirit wanted to make sure I didn’t miss the message!