Humility

Prior to writing this, I had to go back and make sure I haven't written about this before.  I have been writing my blog for over a year now and was surprised I haven't spoken about one of my favorite scriptures telling us humility always precedes honor.  Proverbs 15:33 "Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor."

Today people always are seeking to be honored.  Most want to be acknowledged and not humbled.  It is difficult to recognize the blessing of humility.  When we are embarrassed, hurt, or pushed to the side, we typically fall into the trap of feeling sorry for ourselves.  It is a normal reaction.  I want to challenge us all to dig deep within ourselves when we are at this point to recognize the growth that lies ahead as a result of this heartbreaking experience.  I can think of countless times I have seen my children suffer and be humbled.  As a result, they grew up, began to have a much deeper empathy for others and learned a valuable lesson.  I have had humiliating experiences as well - but it is sometimes easier for us to see it in others as opposed to ourselves.  The greatest challenge is to come to the place where we must meet our own humility and recognize the blessing within it. 

I love the quote by Thomas Merton.  "Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real."   There is a confusion among us to strive for importance, merit, superiority - to be proud.  Perhaps it starts when we are small and our parents push us to achieve, be successful, win games, etc.  How funny would it be at the end of a game the losing team begins to cheer because they lost!  I can envision a cheer - "We are humble, how 'bout you?"  I do know typically we learn much more from the loss than the win - but we all still want to win.  From the surface, it looks more appealing to be part of the winning team.  However, work with me here.  When we win, our minds gets clouded with celebrating, pride, and all the accolades.  However, when we lose, your mind has an opportunity to think about what you did wrong, how you can improve, you develop greater empathy for others when they don't win (Philippians 2:3  "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others ."), and there is always a lesson.  I know which one sounds the most fun - but which one grows us?  Proverbs 16:18-19 "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed  than to share plunder with the proud."

The Bible is full of scriptures regarding being humble. Why do you think God calls us to be humble?  He will ensure you are humble if you are His child?  There are some really wonderful things that happen as you begin your road to humility - when you are there stop and recognize all the blessings that come from the Lord during this time.  The humble will prosper.  Job 5:11  "The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety." Psalm 25:9  " He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." (love that one)  He lifts the humble up.  James 4:10  "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."  He saves those who are humbled.  2 Samuel 22:28  "You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low."  The humble are filled with joy.  Isaiah 29:19  "Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD;"  They will be given grace.  James 4:6  " But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:  “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” "  Finally, humility brings wisdom.  Proverbs 11:2  "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."