The grace of humility

Share Button

1 Peter 5:5 “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Extra Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-11.

God wants us to live the Christian life in humility. Strength comes out of weakness and the Christian lifestyle must come out of humility. All Christians should be characterized by humility. I have heard many Christians talk about their struggles in the area of humility. Some start out humble, but after some success in ministry, they develop pride or self-confidence that contradicts Christian humility. Most of us are slow learners. We are supposed to know that nothing is more deadly to a Christian than pride. Not only does pride create barriers between Christian brothers or sisters, but it is also one of those things that the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:16-17). Jesus made it very clear to His followers that they should not be self-serving (Matthew 20:20-28; John 13:1-16). Many worldly leaders use intimidation or an attitude of superiority to get followers to submit. Christians should refrain from such attitudes. Actually, humility should be the mark of all Christians, with the leader setting the example as Christ did. But what is humility? Many people think of humility as lowliness. People at times describe a poorly dressed, poorly fed, poor man as ‘humble’. While God wants us to be humble, He does not want us to think of ourselves as beggars.  The Scriptures tell us we are His children and joint heirs of His kingdom with Christ.

The humble person does not draw attention to him/herself, nor does he/she do things to state his/her own importance.  Being a humble person seems wrong to the world. But it is the path to righteousness and the way Christians display the Gospel to those around them. Our flesh despises the low place and we have a battle on our hands to take the lowest place. But it is in this place the humble will find grace (Luke 14:10). Remember, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). God does not leave us in our stupid pride. He wants us to be humble. It is from the humble position that we understand how great God is. I believe that some of the struggles we face are actually God’s efforts to teach us humility. The best way to understand humility is to examine ourselves. The following questions below will help us understand humility:

-How do you take criticism?

-Do people find it easy to come to you? Are you approachable?

-Are you frequently involved in power struggles and arguments?

-Do you find yourself thinking everyone else is wrong but you are right?

-Are you able to rejoice when you hear of others’ successes?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, teach us to be humble. In Your name, we pray, Amen!

Rev. Samuel N. Modise     

Mini Cart 0

Your cart is empty.

There are no products
0