Читать книгу THE WILL OF GOD - Eileen Tan - Страница 4

How does one define “humility” in God’s Kingdom? In the scriptures you know God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. It is indeed very sad, so many people of this day and age do not have a clear view what it means to be humble in this society of today. People are so busy with their daily lives, that they totally forget what is to be humble or how to be humble.

Scriptures in 1 Peter 5:5-6 (NKJV) v5 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”. v6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

In the Oxford dictionary the word ‘humble’- meanings such as not assertive, ranking low in a hierarchy and being insignificant does not project well in our society today as being humble. But here I would like to focus on the godly side of humility and have a clearer understanding with a bigger picture what it looks like to be a humble Christian according to what the Bible says and what God says. If the word “humility” is not applied righteously you will tend to measure it into your own terms of belief or your own submission; or it could be more than unusual in an unexpected way. Just because humility is always measured in terms of submission to God’s will, it has always been the clear indicator that true humility is in a person’s obedience to God.

Let’s look at the clear definition of “humble” relating to humility, and an example here; is our Lord Jesus Christ. With reference written in the bible; you see Jesus Christ as being modeled; you see as someone who in his own eyes is lower than God his creator and thus always willing to believe what God says or do what God asks. Jesus’ as being an example is putting the will of God before his own will. In other word Jesus’ obedience shows in a nutshell is ‘humility’. Certainly, you can all learn from Jesus’ his examples, or otherwise imperatively you may get caught up judging humility by the standard behavior of this present age and time of this world ideology.

Quote by C.S. Lewis

“True humility is not thinking of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”

God’s will on “humility” matters a lot for all Christians, for God knows, we all cannot get through our Christian walk of faith without being humble. Without humility, in error, humanity does fall into deception when we allow pride to take over us; and it’s so easy. This is part of being human, knowing there are weaknesses in mind and thoughts. We all need to stand on guard, but on the bonus side, humility does not make one think you are a wimp or that you let other people take advantage.

Quote by Andrew Murray

“The only humility that is really ours is not that which we try to show before God in prayer, but that which we carry with us in our daily conduct.”

Well, then how can you humble yourselves and walk in obedience? How can you actually make the concerted effort to do it? How can you think and do and be humble to God? There are so many questions to humility? I believe in the word of God, and through His word God can help you to walk in obedience to be humble, to be meek, to submit to Him, and bring glory to His name. You are here to serve God, so how can you serve Him, if there is no humbleness in your action and behavior to God. Whenever you humble in self, the prideful spirit in the selfish heart, mind, body and soul is gone. You can see how powerful it can work in you, so therefore; you need to recognize the importance of being humble in humility as it brings blessings with grace, and glory to God.

Philippians 2:3-5 (AMPC)

V3 Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility [lowliness of mind] let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].

V4 Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.

V5 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus; [Let Him be your example in humility].

Humility brings wisdom and honor and if we do refuse to humble oneself, it can and will lead one to disaster. Take note; if the longer one takes to humble the harder the heart is willing to submit. At times you may think, “it was all of me and none of God” and that then becomes very crucial. It may also lead to excuses without realizing the effect it can cause in your walk with Christ. The greatest thing in “humility” is, if when trials do happen, there is a realization that you can see God’s hand in your needs, no matter how dark it is. That is the power of humility and is something every Christians and believers should to learn to receive, for this is the kind of assurance you receive from God.

Eye-opener: Humility stops you from thinking - it’s because I’m so good. Or it’s because I obey God or because I’m better than everyone else. No, humility is part of the fruit of the Spirit within us and is in all believers.

In every aspect, are you working on humility in your life? It does not matter whether it’s your appearance, or the clothes you wear, or the way you speak, or how you edify others, or how you confess your sins or how you obey God’s Word, or how fast you respond to God’s will; we still have yet to pray about it, for it all relates to “humility” awakening.

Scriptures relating to Humility:

Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

James 4:10 (NLT) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT) Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

Micah 6:8 (NIV) He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Proverbs 22:4 (NLT) True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.

Romans 12:3 (NLT) Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT) Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.