Proudly Worn?

A man, acknowledged for his great humility, was presented with a button displaying the words "Humble Award" printed in bold letters. The presentation had taken him by surprise -- after all, he was humble. The next day, he wore his "Humble" button and so they took it away from him.
That is the difficulty with humility. We need sincere compliments, but we must be careful not to let them go to our heads so as to think more highly of ourselves than we ought ( Romans 12:3). We should be humble, but never proud of our humility. The reason is that the pride leaves us with a sense of accomplishment which then tends to slow or even stop the spiritual growth that ought to continue. Maintaining a humble spirit allows us to keep learning as we acknowledge we have not yet arrived at full maturity. None of us are perfect. We all have room to grow. (That's the biggest room in the world!)

Jesus was the only perfect individual to walk the face of this earth. Still, even His walk was marked by humility.

Paul described it in this way:
"(6) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (6) who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a things to be grasped, (7) but MADE HIMSELF NOTHING, taking the form of A SERVANT, being born in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in human form, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." ( Philippians 2:5-8 ESV)

Paul went on to point out how Christ was then exalted. Jesus is our example even in this. It is THROUGH HUMILITY that EXALTATION COMES. However, we do not exalt ourselves.

James encouraged. . .
"(10) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and HE WILL EXALT YOU." ( James 4:10 ESV)

Peter similarly exhorted. . .
"(6) Humble yourselves, therefore, under the might hand of God so that AT THE PROPER TIME HE MAY EXALT YOU." ( 1 Peter 5:6 ESV)

As we humble ourselves before God, He will bring about the growth and the usefulness in our life. May we continue in humility before Him and toward each other so that this will take place.

Have a great day IN TRUE HUMILITY!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 04/21/1999 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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