I’ve been diving deep into the concept of humility lately, and it’s been a journey of discovery. Chapter 9 of Andrew Murray’s “Humility” has truly opened my eyes to the connection between humility and faith. I always thought of faith as something I need to “have,” but now I see that humility is the key to unlocking a deeper and more vibrant faith. Let me share what I’ve been learning.

The Barrier of Pride

It’s like looking at a shop window, the blessings of God are clearly displayed, but they are just out of reach. I can see God’s promises—peace, rest, love, joy—but there’s something standing between me and them. What is this barrier? The answer is, pride. Pride is the invisible wall, the thick pane of glass keeping me from fully receiving what God has for me. Jesus explains it this way: “No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from God alone” (John 5:44).

Faith and Humility: Allies

Pride and faith are enemies. Faith and humility are allies. It’s a simple truth, but it has profound implications. I am realizing that I cannot have more genuine faith than I have genuine humility. While I might have strong convictions in my mind, if pride remains in my heart, then my faith lacks power. It’s not enough to just know the truth; I need to live it with a humble heart.

What is True Faith Anyway?

So, if pride is the enemy of faith, then what is faith anyway? Doesn’t it mean confessing that I am nothing and helpless on my own? It means surrendering to God and allowing Him to work in me. What could be more humbling than to accept that I am dependent on Someone else? I recognize I have no rights to claim anything, except what He graciously gives.

Humility: The Attitude of Trust

Humility is simply the attitude of heart that prepares you to live by trusting God. It’s not a weakness, but a strength. When I cling to pride—through selfishness, stubbornness, arrogance, or a need for attention—I’m actually strengthening my flesh, which cannot inherit God’s Kingdom. My self-life refuses to allow God to be my Everything, and that’s a huge problem.

Seeing the Unseen Through Faith

Faith is like a spiritual organ that enables you to perceive the unseen. Just as the eyes allow me to see the physical world, faith allows me to see God. Through faith, I am not limited to walking by sight. Pride chases after the attention, praise, and reputation of this world, but faith rejects such selfish ambition. True faith finds its contentment in whatever honor God offers.

Salvation in Humility

Salvation comes through the cross and a crucified Christ. It means having fellowship with a crucified Christ in the spirit of His cross. Salvation is being in union with, delighting in, and participating in the humility of Jesus. It’s amazing how intertwined humility and salvation are. No wonder my faith can feel so feeble when pride still has a hold on me.

Examples of Great Faith and Great Humility

I’m also reading in the scriptures that Jesus twice praised someone for having great faith. The centurion said, “I am not worthy for You to come into my home,” acknowledging Jesus’ authority. Jesus was amazed, replying, “I haven’t seen faith like this in all the land of Israel!” (Matthew 8:8, 10).

Then the gentile woman threw herself at Jesus’ feet saying, “Yes, Lord, but even dogs are permitted to eat the crumbs that fall beneath their master’s table.” And Jesus answered, “Woman, your faith is great” (Matthew 15:27-28). Humility brings a person to the point of being nothing before God, and this removes every obstacle to faith. It is a humility that makes the soul fear dishonoring God by not trusting Him completely.

The Path to His Glory

It makes no sense to strive and strive to have faith when my prideful self is working behind the scenes trying to manipulate God for blessings. I realize I need a total change of direction. First, I need to seek to humble myself under God’s mighty hand, and then, He will lift me up.

The path of the cross, the death, and the tomb where Jesus humbled Himself was His path to glory, and it’s my path as well. My desire and prayer now is to humble myself like Jesus, gladly accepting whatever can humble me before God or others. This, I now understand, is the only path to His glory.

Seeking God’s Glory Alone

I’m challenged to seek only the honor that comes from God. Only this can cure me from the desire to receive praise from others and free me from the pain and anger of not getting it. When the glory of God is my everything, I am delivered from slavery to self and become content and glad to get nothing for myself. It’s in this nothingness that I grow strong in faith, giving glory to God. I am learning that the deeper I sink in humility before Him, the nearer He is to fulfill every desire of my faith.

As I continue to explore these powerful truths, it’s also important to recognize the battles we face in spiritual warfare, and how we can find tranquil victory amidst conflict. If you are struggling to find peace, I encourage you to read “Spiritual Warfare: How to Achieve Tranquil Victory in Conflict” for more insights.

Furthermore, to understand how to let go of your own will, you may find some great tips in “How to Transform A Life: Embrace Surrender to God’s Guidance”. And if you’re curious about how to apply these principles in your work life, you might want to explore “Starting a Business with Humility: A Journey of Faith” and discover that living a life of service will bring great fulfillment.

References

• “Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness” by Andrew Murray