“When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
Watching a cutting horse or a Tennessee Walker go through their exercises is a thing of beauty! This writer has always been fascinated by the strength, beauty and agility of horses. But as powerful and as talented as horses are, they must be worked with, controlled and taught how to perform in the arena, on the ranch, or out in public! You see, the will of the horse being trained must be submissive to the rider’s will. It is in the same way that we must learn how to submit to the will of our Father who made us, provides for us and understands us (Psalm 103:14).
Arriving at a proper perspective of what true humility is all about is critical to our living in this life and to where we will be spending eternity when this life ends … and it will end! Humility will lead us to a place of balance and to an awareness of where we are with reference to God and even to ourselves. Humility by God’s standards is learning how to have an honest perspective about who you are, where you came from and what your potential can be when on the Lord’s side! Interestingly enough, the word ‘humility’ comes from the same root word as ‘humiliation.’ Consider the following:
- When we can reach the understanding of just how great and good our God is compared to our own relative insignificance, but yet can see just how valuable we are in His sight … we will be humbled!
- When we can reach the understanding that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23), yet we have the opportunity to be saved from our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ coupled with our obedience to His Gospel … we will be humbled!
- When we can reach the understanding of God’s grace, mercy, justice and love shown to each one of us with the gift of life itself, the air we breathe, the provisions of life here and hereafter … we will be humbled!
- When we can reach the understanding that without God we are really nothing and have no real hope beyond what this life has to offer … we will be humbled!
Folks, we actually have no grounds to be haughty and prideful, to be arrogant and boastful with anyone at any time! Being humble, exhibiting qualities of meekness does not mean we are weak as the world would seem to suggest! Just as a well-trained horse is able to do exactly what it is supposed to do … we must learn to submit our hearts and lives to the Potter’s hands and be shaped and influenced, guided and directed by Him who always knows what is best for each of us!
The humble of heart don’t push, shove and throw their proverbial weight around forcing others to like them, serve them or even to be around them! No, the humble of heart draw their strength, manner of life and disposition from the inner strength of knowing that Christ is “living in them” (Galatians 2:20), just as the old hymn continues to express entitled Christ Liveth In Me teaches! Only the humble of heart can really afford to be of a gentle spirit, showing compassion with more than just a superficial or passing interest in pleasing God, serving others and taking care of one’s own personal responsibilities in living life.
Quoting C.S. Lewis, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” Our being humble people is not at all about being humiliated in some way, but rather is the understanding that we’re just not more important or valuable or loved by God more than anyone else! If we want to be like our Savior was when He walked the earth, then we must remember that He ate with tax-collectors and traitors, that He washed the feet of His disciples and that He willingly went to the Cross and died like He was some sort of criminal. Remember that Jesus “came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) There is not found in any aspect of the life of Jesus any hint of ‘being better than!’ ! You see, the quality of humility comes at a great cost: the cost of our own will, heart and life! Are we listening? Are we humble people?
May His tribe increase …
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”(Micah 6:8)
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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