Chapter 6 of the “Humility” book, which I’ve been studying, has been very impactful, mainly because it emphasizes that humility isn’t just a concept, but a way of living. This chapter highlights the idea that true humility is not just a feeling I have when I’m praying, it’s the very spirit of my life and a core aspect of my character. It must be visible in the way that I treat other people. Therefore, I need to be in constant evaluation of my daily actions to see if they truly reflect a humble heart.

The Proof of Humility: Daily Interactions

The chapter explains that it’s easy to think I’m humble when I’m in God’s presence, but the true test of my humility is in my daily interactions with others. My unguarded moments reveal who I really am, and humility needs to be a part of my nature, not just a performance. Jesus taught us that true humility is shown in serving others by washing the disciple’s feet. Therefore, my humility before God must be shown by my humility towards other people.

My Struggle with Pride

As I continue to develop my website and blog, I see that this concept is still challenging for me. In my journal, I’ve noted how I am feeling a strong pull to share my studies and insights. Yet, there’s also a voice that doubts my abilities and questions my motives. I now see how easily I get caught up in my self-awareness and seek recognition instead of serving others. This demonstrates to me that my desire to share my knowledge can become pride if I am not careful, which is the opposite of humility.

The Path of Humility: Biblical Guidance

Paul’s teachings, referenced in this chapter, have been eye-opening for me and are helping me understand how to live a humble life. He urged believers to honor one another, live in harmony, and avoid being self-important. Paul explains that love is not proud or boastful and that it does not demand its own way, stating that, “there is no love without humility as its root“. He also calls us to serve one another in love, to be patient, gentle, and to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. My relationships, then, are a mirror reflecting my true humility.

Practical Ways to Apply Biblical Principles

• When writing a letter, I now see that I must check my tone, making sure that I’m not correcting anyone or overstepping boundaries, but that I am gentle and supportive.
• Instead of focusing on my own greatness, I need to focus on serving others, always preferring them over myself. True humility leads to serving and not being served.
• I recognize that God’s power is demonstrated through humility, by serving others and not seeking attention for my own abilities or skills. I can choose to surrender and be a servant, allowing God to lift me up.

The Servant’s Mindset: A Core Aspect of Humility

A truly humble person seeks to honor others, serve them with love, and consider them better than themselves. A critical question then, is how can I consider others as better than myself, especially when I see their faults? The answer lies in recognizing my own nothingness in God’s light and letting go of self. I must see myself as a servant of God, and for His sake, a servant of all. When I do this, I will not be seeking anything for myself.

Qualities of a Humble Person

• A humble person does not feel jealousy or envy. They are able to praise God when others are blessed and they are content even when they are forgotten.
• I need to acknowledge, as Paul did, that “I am nothing at all”.
• When I am tempted to become impatient, I must remember that Jesus has taken the place of self in my life.
• His humility is filled with compassion, kindness, meekness, and patience, which helps me forgive others as Christ forgave me.

Humility and Transformation: Death to Self

The goal of humility isn’t just to be outwardly kind, it’s about a heart transformation where I die to self. It’s about becoming poor in spirit, meek, and lowly, as Jesus was. This is how Jesus showed us the way to the Father, and this should also be how I show my Christ-likeness. Humility should lead me to deny myself in my interactions with others.

Daily Self-Reflection

I must reflect daily on my humility, using the Bible as my guide. The need to be open to feedback from others is essential because it is difficult for me to see my own flaws. I must believe that God’s Word is a promise of what He will do in me. My failures should motivate me to seek the humble Lamb of God, knowing that His humility will flow through me.

The Impact of Humility: A Path to God’s Power

I have realized that God’s people often miss out on His power because they have not embraced true humility. When we try to serve, we often lack love and patience for one another. This is because we fail to recognize that the most important thing is to empty ourselves, so that God can be everything. True humility finds joy in being the least, seeking to serve like Jesus.

My struggle to commit to others comes from neglecting Christ’s humility as my highest goal. However, the fact that I lack humility motivates me to expect more from God, so I am not discouraged. God uses difficult situations and people to purify me. The life of Jesus is in me. I can believe that God is everything and I am nothing, so that I may serve others in love. When lowliness of heart becomes the very spirit of my life, it will become visible in my behavior towards others. I must, then, study humility daily, in light of God’s word.

Embrace the Journey

In conclusion, the journey of humility is a daily walk, not a one-time event. It requires a constant check of my heart and a willingness to serve others, even when it is difficult. By dying to myself, I will find the life of Christ blossoming in me, which is the ultimate display of true humility.

If you’re seeking to understand how humility can transform your relationships. I invite you to read “Humility Chapter 7: Love, the Remedy for Pride” which further explores this idea. For those struggling with inner battles, “How To Renew Your Mind: Overcome Inner Darkness” offers valuable insights. And if you’re ready to take practical steps towards a life of service. Consider “How to Transform A Life: Embrace Surrender to God’s Guidance” for guidance.

References

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