I think one of the hardest traits to have as a Christ-follower is humility. We have heard it all:
“It’s hard to be humble when you are as great as I am.”
Joe Namath is credited with saying, “I can’t wait until tomorrow.” When asked why he answered, “Because I get better looking every day.”
I’ve sometimes said (jokingly), “I’m proud of my humility.”
All those sound like innocent remarks, and for the most part they are.
But humility is no joking matter. When pride takes over, it is hard to stomach. A proud person is not one we enjoy being around. An arrogant person wants to make us want to empty our stomach. Unless, of course, that proud person is me. Then I don’t see what all the fuss is about.
Jesus was the antithesis of pride. In John 13 we have the story of Jesus taking off his outer cloak, taking a bowl and a towel and washing His disciples’ feet. When challenged by Peter, Jesus said that unless He does this he (Peter) would have no part in Him.
There are those who want to make a big deal about the washing of feet, like it is a command we are to do. I believe that is missing the whole point. Jesus Himself said, ” What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterwards you will understand.” They saw Him washing their feet; He was actually showing them something much greater. He was showing them what it means to be a servant and show humility. His point comes out strongly-out of His own mouth-just a few verses later: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
The whole principle is not foot washing but humility and being a servant. The question which confronts me then is am I willing to submit to the Father and be a servant? It will require humility. Not the fake kind but real, genuine humility.
“Father, it is a sign of submission to humble myself before You, which is then to translate to the people around me. Please teach me to be humble.”
I’ve wrestled with this because Christians I know say something like, “I’m humble.” I don’t, so I’m always questioning my own humility then. I think I shouldn’t have to tell people I am. I should just be so. Yet, everytime I hear someone say something like that I question myself with thoughts like “Do people think I’m not humble cause I don’t talk that way?” UGH. If you have any thoughts for me, Bill, it might help me.
If someone has to tell you they are humble…they aren’t. Humility is seen in character. In speech (the way you talk to others and about others). In lifestyle. Someone who is humble doesn’t have to go around tooting their own horn. Check out Proverbs 27:2. I hope this help Diane. Long story short: don’t worry about whether others see you as humble or not dependent on your self-praise. It will be seen in your life.
I see self-proclaimed humility about the same as buying myself a “Dad of the Year” t-shirt to wear.
Just doesn’t quite have the same level of authenticity.
That is a great example Ryan! Made me chuckle.
Thanks, Bill. And, Ryan, your comment made me chuckle too. It made its point.
You’re welcome Diane. Don’t know if Ryan will revisit but he does come up with some good ones.
I try not to wear it in public at least 🙂
Like you, Bill, I want to have a servant’s heart. Lord, make me and keep me humble!
Blessings!
That prayer will be answered Martha.