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“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10
This morning I am watching the sun glisten through the tree tops. There is a stillness. There is also a stillness within me. As I ponder on the season of life I am in, As I ponder on my journey with the Lord thus far, there is only one word that cries out from my soul…Humility. I think it is a beautiful word. I think it is a great spiritual secret. If there is one thing I strive after every day it is to be clothed in more of humility. “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4
Then I realized, there is another word that my soul cries..Obedience. I ponder on the burning desire, passion I have for both. It is true one does not exist without the other.
Jesus is the greatest example and teacher we have of humility. The very definition of the word is- a modest or low view of one’s own importance. Jesus was of the greatest importance, He was of highest value, and authority, but yet He served, He was humble, and put more importance on those around Him and their need verses His own.
Jesus humbled himself even by becoming obedient to death. Jesus spoke, ” For I have come down (humility) from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me (obedience).” John 6:38. So it is proven in scripture obedience and humility are intrinsically connected. Wow! A person who is truly humble will find it easy, natural to submit to authority and obey. Obedience was the way Jesus humbled himself. Obedience is the means to humility.
God honors humility. He will humble us and oppose us if we are proud, but if we are humble He will give us grace and exalt us when the time is right. Our obedience is a statement of humility. God is wiser and greater in every capacity than we are therefore we should trust his decisions, judgement, and lead.
If Jesus saw fit to humble himself to a horrific death for our sins, how much more humble should we be?
If humility is something you struggle with, try first being obedient in the small things of life. If we are willing, God will call us to do something. He may ask you to be obedient to lead a Bible study, or serve in the nursery, or minister to a friend, or provide a meal for a neighbor. He is searching your heart. He is looking for willing hearts. When you begin walking in obedience your life will begin to change. You will begin to walk in a purpose and freedom you never knew existed. Then, you will long for more. The work God is doing within you will humble you, thus the connection of humility and obedience. What a beautiful thing! A reflection of Jesus!
In Obedience and Humility,
Jeannie