Humility: The Quiet Strength that Draws Us Closer to God.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James4:10.
In a world that pushes self-promotion, where man is becoming lovers of self. Everyone has a need to appear to be more than who they are. Some may ask. Does being humble make you weak? Well, the Bible calls us to something different. Humility isn’t weakness, it’s strength under God’s guidance. It’s a teachable heart, willing to put God first. Jesus modeled humility perfectly by serving others instead of seeking honor. And we are invited to do the same.
Practical ways to grow in humility,
Spend time by surrendering yourself to your needs and minimize the focus on your wants.
- Begin each day with prayer: Give God the first of your day. Surrender yourself unto God with communicating with your Heavenly Father. Just as any father wants to hear from his child the same can be said about your Heavenly Father. Let go of the ego and thought that you don’t need him because at the first sight of trouble we all call for the name of Jesus.
- Read God’s word: Placing the word of God in your heart will begin to help you analyze life from a righteous approach. Speaking the word of God over your life can have a positive outcome on the things we do.
- Listen before speaking: It’s not always about you. Talking the time to not only listen the way others feel but not cutting them off to make it about you really shows you care for others. listening to understand and not listening to reasons makes others feel heard and respected. You’re now seen as someone interested in how people feel. Placing others above your own self Is a humble act that many appreciate.
- Serving without expecting recognition: Everyone wants to be recognized and usually from a self centered standpoint. When we are in a position of service it should always be done with love. If you’re purpose of service is to get a pat on the back then you weren’t looking to serve, you were looking for exaltation.
- Giving God the credit when things go well: There are so many things you are kept safe from allowing you to accomplish the things you need to do in order to become successful. he gave you strength, good health, and a present mind to achieve and accomplish. Give God honor and recognition in any season of life especially when things are going good.
Reflection.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”
Philippians 2:3 NIV
Am I relying on my own strength or on God’s? Am I waiting for God to promote me or am I looking to promote myself without the blessings of God? Is it about me or the holy spirit that resides in me? Take some time soul searching the answers to these questions and evaluate your sense of humility.
Closing Prayer.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience and grace. Teach me to walk in humility each day. Help me to serve others with love, to accept correction with a willing heart, and to trust You instead of relying on my own understanding. Shape my character to reflect Jesus in all that I do. In His name, Amen.
