While reading in Luke this past weekend, the topic of Humility really stuck with me. Taking a moment to reflect on this passage alone, I really began to look inside to see if I displayed genuine Humility, or if the display was only outward in appearances. I’ve bolded some areas of the following passages for emphasis:

Luke 14:7-14 (NLT) Jesus Teaches about Humility
7 When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: 8 “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? 9 The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table!

10 “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. 11 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

12 Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. 13 Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”

Before doing anything now, I have to ask myself: Am I doing this in order to look good? Am I doing this in order to receive some sort of reward, congratulations or recognition? Am I serving you with your best interests at heart, or am I doing it because it makes me feel or look good in some way? There are so many questions to ask before doing anything, but the main question is (in my opinion) What is my motivation behind doing or saying this? The times that I do not check my motivations prior to speaking or acting many times result in me looking, and feeling, very foolish.

When we define humility, the simplest definition is that it is an antonym (or opposite) of Pride. Digging into the dictionary, it states the following:

the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, etc.

Synonyms
lowliness, meekness, submissiveness.

Antonyms
pride.

I know that there is pride rooted deep in my heart. Although I am aware of this condition, and I have allowed God to move within me to displace my pride, I still struggle with this often. Being a military man, and being raised military as a child, pride has been a longstanding “centerpiece” in my life. Overcoming this condition takes conscious effort each and every day, and a lot of prayer!!

Let’s dig a little deeper into what else the Bible says about Humility. Proverbs has a good number of examples for us:

1. Proverbs 11:2
   Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
   Proverbs 11:1-3 (in Context)
2. Proverbs 15:33
   Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
   Proverbs 15:32-33 (in Context)
3. Proverbs 18:12
   Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.
   Proverbs 18:11-13 (in Context)
4. Proverbs 22:4
   True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.
   Proverbs 22:3-5 (in Context)
5. Proverbs 29:23
   Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.
   Proverbs 29:22-24 (in Context)

 WOW!! With humility comes wisdom…. Humility precedes honor… Humility brings honor! If you look at #3 on the list, Haughtiness is also known as Pride. Many of you have often heart the term “Pride comes before the fall.” Proverbs 18:12 is where that comes from when redefined into plain English.

As Christians, we all understand that we are a chosen people. We didn’t choose God, he first chose us. What does being a Christian look like to you? A few more verses come to mind for me:

Colossians 3:12
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:11-13 (in Context)

In this Epistle written by Paul, this is largely part of his instruction for believers of Christ to Put on the New Man. In Paul’s Epistle to Titus, he directs our attention once again toward humility:

Titus 3:2
They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
Titus 3:1-3 (in Context)

The New Testament reveals so much to us in how we are supposed to live each and every day. James and Peter also touch on Humility (James 3:13 & 1 Peter 5:5) in their own Epistles. Knowing that Pride alone can separate us from the Glory of God, I really can take to heart this lesson on Humility. Personally, I’d rather display humility than to be humiliated by my own actions!

God Bless!