Humility

I did not know how to do a blog with the word "humility" as its' center topic. I hope you enjoy what is about to come straight out of my head with God backing me up.

  What is humility?  What does it mean to be humble or meek? And how can we become humble? Webster's defines humility as a noun meaning the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.

  It seems pretty vague. It says "of one's OWN importance." Could this be defined as a conceited act? Jane Austen wrote in her novel Pride and Prejudice that "nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility." Is humility really a bad thing? Is being humble a sin? So many questions left unanswered until now. The answer is of course Webster and Austen's definition of the word are way wrong.

  Humility is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Peter 3:4). Humility preserves the soul in tranquility (Pslam 69:32, 33). And humility makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). So why are we then taught that humility is a bad thing when God Himself says that it is a prominent Christian grace (Romans 12:3, 15:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 4:11-13).

  The true definition of humility is to be our lifestyle since it was the lifestyle of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus was a very humble man during his years ministering to others. A perfect example of Jesus being so humble can be found in John 13. Jesus knew that his Father had given him everything into his hands. Jesus knew he had come from God and was going back to Him. But during the last supper, Jesus cast off his garments and girded a towel around himself giving him the appearance of a servant. "After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded." (John 13:5). The disciples, having followed Jesus all along, were baffled at the sight of this, especially Peter. When Jesus prepared to wash Peter's feet, Peter told Jesus that he shall not have his Lord wash them. But Jesus answered Peter by saying, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." (John 13:8).

 One of the greatest joys of our lifestyle of knowing Jesus is to learn to follow HIS example of humility. Jesus tells us that it is better if we allow others to go ahead of us (Luke 14:7-11). But do not look at it as putting yourself down or lowering yourself as an non-benefited slave to others, but rather putting others first. God rewards those who are kind to others. In Luke 14:11, Jesus says, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

  In John 13, Jesus' example tells us all that we are to serve others in humility. I know that if we are humble and display great humility, the blessings and joys God will place in our lives will be countless.