Background

Humility is often misunderstood. If someone asked you a direct question; say, ‘Elyse, are you humble?‘ what would your response be? Yes/No/Not Sure/I think so/ etc…. 🙂 Now that is something to consider….

Early this year, I said to one of my ‘elders’ … ‘I admire your humility, that is something I’ll be learning from you this year‘.

Honestly, that sounded really good to me, but even as I said it, I wasn’t really sure what it meant. Truth? there were aspects of this person’s life that one may not really judge as ‘humble’.

So here I am, desiring to learn humility and yet not fully understanding what humility truly means…

Hey, it’s Friday!!!

Welcome to a brand new study series on my blog; Bible Perspectives on Humility. I trust God that this series will be refreshing, exciting, instructive, …and humbling.

Study Scope

In this study series, among other things we will look at;

Definitions of humility (dictionary and biblical), false humility, relationship between humility and obedience, who to be humble to, benefits of being humble, results of prideful living.

Introduction

Humility is a virtue every Christian should strive for. Three immediate benefits of combining humility with the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and a long life (Proverbs 2:24).

“True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.” Proverbs 22:4. NLT

In Mathew 11:29 Jesus admonishes us to be lowly in heart, just as He is. According to Jesus, this manner of living will helps keep our soul at rest (….I will think that is because you do not have anything to prove to anyone).

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 NKJV

A lowly person is someone who is humble in manner and spirit. This suggests that humility is more of the state of the mind more than an outward demeanor.

In Philippians 2:5, Paul, citing Jesus as an example shows that humility when done properly, does lead to elevation or exaltation.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

So, humility is a noble trait, as having a lowly estimation of oneself leads to elevation, exaltation, riches, honor and long life.

I already love humility! But what exactly is it?

What Is Humility?

Dictionary Definition of humility

Humility is the quality of having a modest or low view of one’s importance. It is meekness, lowliness and absence of self. Humble people appreciate little things, they respect others and are open to other viewpoints and ideas, they keep their success, accomplishments and achievements in perspective, they acknowledge their mistakes and limitations, they take responsibility for their actions, they listen more and talk less, they do not go around saying they are humble.

Some synonyms for humility are; modesty, meekness, lowliness, submissiveness, diffidence.

Some antonyms for humility include; pride, self-importance, arrogance, haughtiness, etc

So, what do you think? How do you score based on this dictionary definition of humility? Poor/Fair/Good/Excellent? 🙂

One important thing to clarify at this point is that having a low view of oneself should never be interpreted as being a pauper, a beggar, an unimportant or irrelevant person. To humble oneself does not mean to have low self esteem neither does it mean to suffer from rejection or insecurity. There is liberty/freedom where the Spirit of The Lord is.

Every child of God has been bought by the precious priceless blood of Jesus Christ, and as such is royalty, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own ‘peculiar people’. You are like a Lamp on a Lampstand.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”
I Peter 2:9 NKJV

Humility is a state of the mind, and not just an outward demeanor. Someone can be outwardly humble and yet arrogant and prideful in their thoughts and actions as shown by their decisions and choices.

It is also important to note that this dictionary definition of humility essentially focuses on a view of oneself relative to others. And depending on how you look at it, this definition may seem somewhat tilted more towards describing a group of persons with some form of real or perceived achievement, accomplishment, worth, value, etc, who inspite of that, are humble (…just an observation).

Question: Can a poor person be arrogant? Can an uneducated person be prideful? Can someone without any significant worth, talent or achievement (by the world’s standard and ranking) be arrogant?

I leave you with these thoughts. In the next part, we consider Bible meanings of humility.

‘I BELIEVE’ is All Jesus ever looked for in order to heal (John 9:35, Mark 11:24, James 2:19, John 11:26, etc).

A budget is a guide. Start with what you can come up with and refine it over time. A poor budget is better than no budget at all. So don’t wait for a perfect one.

While it may seem like our momentary subconscious negligence of the all-time workings of grace in us is a bad thing, we can actually rejoice with the realization that we are all-time champions

If only we can like Martha identify the areas of our Christian faith that need strengthening. Can we like Martha be sincere and honest about the pressure points in our faith walk? If only we can be humble and cry out to the Lord; ‘Lord help my unbelief!’, the Master will not condemn us, but He will most eagerly stoop down and help us up.

I have never seen a man more audacious and unconventional than Jesus Christ. With almost every encounter with the leaders and ‘teachers’ of His time, he appeared to intentionally pull down highly revered and enshrined traditions of his people. Little wonder the people stopped at nothing to eliminate him. His claim of being the Messiah didn’t even help matters. He neither looked nor acted like anything their imagination of a Messiah should be.

Jesus’s problem wasn’t with the people as much as it was with their disrespect for the law of God. He loved the people but not their acts. The people had become quite skilled in twisting and turning every part of the law to drive their personal ambitions. Worst still, they lived nothing like the law they so easily reeled out for others to follow and obey.

Truth was, Jesus didn’t come to earth to gain cheap popularity. He had a mission to accomplish. Upsetting existing man-made systems and traditions wasn’t a big deal for Him. He knew the people, probably more than they knew themselves. Explaining why he so easily thwarted every trick and stunts they tried to pull on Him.

Jesus was settled in His identity, mission and purpose. He knew that seeking a consensus or validation would ultimately deter Him from doing the unpopular things required to deliver on His mandate. Did the people think Jesus was arrogant and not humble? Your guess is as good as mine.

Do you want to accomplish your God-given purpose in God’s way? Stop seeking cheap popularity. And definitely, stop looking for validation from wrong quarters.

Be settled in your purpose, walk closely with the Holy Spirit, be full of faith, patience and endurance. And be vigilant to identify your God-sent helpers as well as agents on a contrary and opposing mission ❤

“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Colossians 1:27 NKJV

Every victory, manifestation, revealing or glory we experience (or will ever experience) as Christians happens because Christ is in us.

Christ is in us; so we have hope of glory, ….inevitable glory.

Therefore, since the assurance of glory/manifestation is Christ in Us, then we can always have victory when we function fully from the inside …from the Spirit. If the Spirit at work in you is the Spirit of Christ, then victory is assured.

What spirit is at work in you?

If you are a Child of God then rejoice because God ensured you have the winning spirit….the spirit of love, power and of a sound mind.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
II Timothy 1:7 NKJV

This new or recreated spirit in us is set up to win always through faith…

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
I John 5:4 NKJV

In addition to giving us a recreated spirit, God also anoints us with the Holy Spirit…the Exhibitor of the power of Christ. The Holy Spirit is none other but God Himself in us.

“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.”
I John 5:7 NKJV

So we have the spirit of love, power and a sound mind to win always through faith by operating in the Holy Spirit. Faith comes through the Word, impressed upon our hearts by the Spirit.

Sometimes when we read 1 John 4:4, we think of a great God in us, who has overcome the world (and every evil in it) ….on our behalf. Like a big brother thing…..That’s absolutely correct. But then, Christ won His victory several years ago, so that we can have victory today. Christ’s victory is our victory. We already won.

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
1 John 4:4 NLT

The Spirit living in us is greater, so we are greater than every situation, challenge or adversity.

Christ is in you…..Halleluyah! You already overcame. Don’t give up, don’t give in. Stand in your victory. You already won. Halleluyah!!!

I recently heard about a thief who crawled from house to house in a highly guarded neighbourhood. A few times residents came face to face with this assailant as he quickly brushed past them disappearing into thin air only to reappear in another house. One or two persons registered a sketchy face description in their minds.

When I heard the story it sounded both dumb and ridiculous. What a dumb thief he must be! I mean people already saw him and being a closely-knit and cliquish neighbourhood, words would soon go round. Wouldn’t be long before someone identified him and pointed him out to the security parading the streets. Dumb thief.

You know that’s the kind of thief Jesus spoke about in John 10:10..

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”
John 10:10 AMP

John 10:10 thief comes (present continuous tense) and keeps coming, and coming, ….what a dumb thief!

Oh! I thank God that Jesus came. And He came (past tense).

One coming of Jesus was all that was needed. He came that we might have life and have life more abundantly. Jesus came once, and that one coming was enough to secure our salvation, healing, peace, wealth and all things that pertains to life and godliness.

“Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
Hebrews 9:12 NKJV

Why am I so excited today that Jesus came ?

Because the thief always comes with an agenda. No, he didn’t just stop by to see how things are with you…na… He comes to steal, kill and destroy.

To steal our health, take away our peace, joy, hope etc…and subsequently kill and destroy our destiny.

Ah! Ah!! Thank God Jesus came…

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 NKJV

Jesus came, got wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquity. Now we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. No sin, no penalty, no death. Aha!

Jesus came, took upon Himself all harassment, anxiety, punishment and reprimand that should have come to us. Instead, He gave us peace, His peace, not the type the world gives, no, the peace that passes all understanding.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.“
John 14:27 NKJV

Thank God Jesus came…

He came, carried all our wounds in His own body, now we are healed by His Stripes.

I am so thankful that Jesus came.

Therefore any time this dumb thief crawls into our neighbourhood we lift high our banner of victory (The Name of Jesus) bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,”
Philippians 2:9‭-‬10 NKJV

Thank God Jesus came.

Today, I have life and life more abundantly. I walk in health, peace, love, power, soundness of mind. Because the One in me is greater, I am greater.

Thank You Jesus❤

“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it. “He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, Nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.

The Lord his God is with him, And the shout of a King is among them. God brings them out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox.

“For there is no sorcery against Jacob, Nor any divination against Israel. It now must be said of Jacob And of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!’ Look, a people rises like a lioness, And lifts itself up like a lion; It shall not lie down until it devours the prey, And drinks the blood of the slain.”

Then Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all!” So Balaam answered and said to Balak, “Did I not tell you, saying, ‘All that the Lord speaks, that I must do’?”

Numbers 23:19‭-‬26 NKJV

“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.“
I John 3:8 NKJV

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord , And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord”
Isaiah 54:17 NKJV

I declare every work of evil over my life, purpose, ministry, family, affairs, destroyed in the name of Jesus. And I condemn every tongue that has risen against my life, purpose, ministry, family, affairs…in judgement in Jesus Christ name. Amen. I declare that no weapon fashioned against me, my life, purpose, ministry, family, affairs shall prosper in Jesus Christ name. I resist you devil, get out! In Jesus Christ name. Amen. I declare that the BLESSING (to be fruitful and to multiply) is upon me, and the Blessing cannot be reversed.

Be of good cheer, Jesus is in you