Good Morning.

The definition of humility is far from the definition of pride. . . or is it? The common dictionary's first entry for pride is: a sense of one's own proper dignity or value; self-respect. The key word was proper; when pride moves toward arrogance, we have issues. Again, James tells us in 3.13 that 'the good life produces deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom' (God's wisdom). Sometimes, women think that putting themselves down helps them appear to be humble--oh, brother. Remember our goal is proper dignity, proper value of self. . . being self-deprecating is not proper. Humility is not lousy self-esteem or the lack of confidence. The traits of someone whose life may be characterized by PRIDE: critical, boastful, angry/vengeful, prejudicial, greedy, self-righteous, know-it-all, self-effacing, self-focused, judgmental vs. a life characterized by HUMILITY: gives the benefit of the doubt, quietly confident, forgiving, courteous, patient, teachable, unconcerned with pretense. . . These are not complete lists, more like starting points, but they are enough to take a look at ourselves, huh? Are we more given to HUMILITY or PRIDE? How do we correct an imbalance?

We can understand and seek to be humble individuals, (with proper dignity and self-respect), in two ways. The first is looking at an example of someone who is truly humble, studying him, and then seeking to be like him. I can still remember when I learned the Self-Emptying Theory in Philippians chapter 2 in college; it made a huge impact on me. This passage is about Jesus, written by Paul, and would be great to locate in your Bible and underline, starting in verse 5: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in human appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! Isn't it interesting that Paul said 'have the same attitude' as Jesus--wait a second, is humility an attitude? (look up 'attitude' in your dictionary--did Paul say this right? Is humility an attitude?) Then it should be easily changed, correct? I think it is a matter of seeing the value of HUMILITY. Recently a friend told me what struck him so much about the movie "The Passion" was seeing how unbelievably humble Jesus was; no matter what was said or done to Him, He epitomized humility. Again, what an upside-down economy from ours. Whoever is the least among us will be the greatest. . . huh?

We remember that Jesus told the arrogant Pharisees (yes, they had a puffed-up, improper view of self) that the greatest commandment was 'to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, strength... and love our neighbor as ourself.' (Mark 12.30, 31) Paul elaborates on this when he says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2.3-4 Where do we get proper dignity? The realization that we have and are nothing but by the grace of our Creator. Did you choose your height? Did you choose your family of origin or place of birth, realizing most of us were born in freedom? 'O, no you dint, child--' You are a person of worth because you are loved by God, extended His grace, invited into relationship with Him--there to live with Him forever! That is what gives you your worth, (even though you might be 'right fine' lookin' and all) So, there is no basis for arrogant pride. Instead, let us put others' needs and feelings above our own--let's move toward humility.

I love this: "True humility comes from a place of strength and inner security. Genuinely humble people who have a desire to seek the well-being of others are generally very secure people. They are fully aware of their gifts, their training, their experience, and all the attributes that make them successful at whatever they do. That security--that honest, healthy self-assessment--results in more than healthy self-assessment--results in more than a humble constitution; it translates into actions that can be observed, actions that we will want to emulate." Chuck Swindoll, So, You Want to be Like Christ?

Humility. . . let's bring it back. Christine