And what a glorious paradox, Father: the more we come alive to the riches of the gospel, the less we obsess about our own lives. We don’t end up thinking more of ourselves, or less of ourselves; we just think of ourselves less often.
Scotty Smith
Here's a few sayings or verses I've heard in regards to humility over the years:
- It's not thinking little of yourself, its seeing yourself and others through Christ's eyes.
- Thinking little of yourself is still thinking frequently of yourself.
- God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
I'm sure there have been more, but those are some highlights. It's not that these aren't completely truth-based or correct descriptions of humility, its just that, until recently, they haven't made a lot of sense to me.
How exactly do you go about being humble, yet not thinking little of yourself? How do you find a balance between humility and insecurity? Are the two even related?
These are some questions I've had and here's my Holy Spirit infused attempt at answering them:
Humility doesn't come from examining ourselves, reading verses about how much God loves us, or even about focusing on scripture that tells us about our natural inclination to sin and where that gets us. I know that may seem counter-intuitve; but maybe, just maybe, humility doesn't actually have anything to do with us and everything to do with Him.
So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into Heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Mark 16:19
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.
Colossians 1:15-20
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me (John) and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands on like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
Revelation 1:12-16
Sitting at the right hand of God, the place of authority- that's where Jesus is. The image of the invisible God- that's what Jesus is. John saw His face and said it was like the sun shining in full strength- thats who Jesus is.
Seeing Christ for who He is today reshapes my perspective and perception of everything else in and around me. That is the root of humility- not seeing myself as more or less; not seeing others as greater or inferior; but seeing Christ as King and viewing everything else through the lens of His supremacy and might.
He doesn't exist to solve my problems. He doesn't exist to lift me up and He doesn't exist to put me down. I exist to glorify Him.
But, you know the amazing part? Even though He doesn't exist to solve my problems- He cares about them.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5: 6-7
Even though He doesn't exist to lift me up- He has a way of making me feel significant and beautiful and pursued.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
Even though its easy to feel like He exists to point out your imperfections, mistakes, or faults- the truth is that He came to save us from them and share His perfection with us, making us white as snow.
And we know real love in this, that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
So, next time you're seeking humility, join me in shifting your gaze out and up. Focus on Him. Spend some time simply praising Him for who He is- King Eternal.
Lord Jesus, with fears for which I have no name lurking in my heart, I trust you for freedom and grace. I'm so thankful to know you, not only as a babe wrapped in cloths lying in a manger, but also as my Savior outside an empty tomb- filled with mercy and might. And now, at my Father's right hand, you ever live to advocate and pray for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. So very Amen I pray, in your fear-charming and liberating name.
Scotty Smith
Three perfect examples of blessings that Christ has given me, even though He doesn't have to. Praise Jesus for beautiful friendships, endless laughter, and donuts.
