Humility

I was talking to someone on the phone the other day when they asked me if I was standing or sitting down.  I replied I was sitting.  He said that was good because he wanted to tell me something and he was worried my head would swell and I’d topple over.  Anyway, he told me that I have a gift for writing. I’d like to say that I respond with “Ah shucks!” or even just “Thanks!” but I was kind of stuck in a pregnant telephone pause. You see, I’ve never considered myself as having any talent in writing.  Now if he had said mathematics or actuarial science or especially algebra, I might have been able to reply with a thanks and maybe agree somewhat.

In high school and college, my best work with the least effort was mathematics and the courses I had the hardest time with was English or formal writing (this was before spell checkers when everything was written out long hand and eventually typed).  I hope this doesn’t come across as false humility because while I might agree that I’m book smart as my Dad used to say, I’m not not smart in many other ways (again, my Dad used to tell me that I didn’t have a lick of common sense).  For example, I’m horrible with people’s names.  I’ve been known to forget a persons name 5 seconds after they introduce themselves to me and it gets worse the longer the time passes.  For those of you that have no problems remembering people’s names, just know I’m jealous!

Anyway, I wondered what the Bible says about humility and found the following passages. I pray you are just as blessed and humbled…

“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 ESV

“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 14:10-11 ESV

And, in my opinion, one of the greatest expressions of humility:

“You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.’” - John 3:28-30 ESV

Which brings me to the biblical definition of humility:

“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” - Proverbs 22:4 ESV

In my opinion, “fear” in this passage doesn’t mean to be afraid but to acknowledge that God is ultimately in charge and deserves our honor and awe.