Humility

Dear Friends:

Last week, a girlfriend came over to pick up one of my favorite books of all time, Humility by Andrew Murray. As she looked at the cover, she asked incredulously, “When did life become all about me? I’m consumed with myself.” She went on to tell me that she recently broke off an engagement because she realized that self-absorption and marriage just don’t mix. She’s absolutely right. I applaud her self-awareness because most of us have no idea just how consumed we are with ourselves. I shuddered when the depth of my own pride became abundantly clear one day.

Exactly when did life become all about us? I believe it started in the Garden of Eden. The same tricks satan used to ensnare Eve at the beginning of mankind, still work brilliantly today. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life get us every time. Pride, in essence, says: ‘It’s all about me. I don’t need God. I can do it myself.’ This sense of self-sufficiency is rampant in today’s culture.

The media and pop culture do a great job in promoting that spirit of pride. Just look at the most popular TV shows; “American Idol” “America’s Next Top Model” “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” These messages all scream; “I’m number one!” “I’m a winner and you’re a loser!” “It’s all about me!” Our society breeds people who want to be exalted. To our detriment, the virtues of meekness, servanthood, and humility have become laughable in the world and virtually non-existent in the church.

Contrary to popular culture, it’s not about you. You were not created for your own pleasure. You were created by God for His pleasure. Until you realize this, life will be very frustrating. Jesus’ teachings on pride and humility are vast and clear:

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
“There are the last who will be first and the first who will be last.” Luke 13:30
“Whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant.” Matthew 20:26
“Learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.” Matthew 11:2
“Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

In the Kingdom of God, the way up, is down and the way down is up. Remember, pride always comes before a fall. Just as pride says: ‘I don’t need God,’ humility says: ‘I am nothing without God. I choose to be nothing so that He can be all. "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble". James 4:6.

As we enter this Christmas season, let us be ever mindful of the true reason for the season: The King of Kings and Lord of Lords who chose to make Himself of no reputation and came down from Heaven not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. Behold, the meek and humble Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Let us humble ourselves, bow down and worship Him.