True humility? The definition of being truly humble conjures up images of someone who is lowly and non-confrontational. Is that God’s Definition?
I’m sure if I asked most Christians, they would describe humility or being humble with these scriptures:
1 Peter 5:5 – …Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
James 4:5 – But he giveth more grace. Wherefore saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
However, those scriptures don’t define “proud”.
As always, what we need is true humility in God’s eyes, not mans.
Unfortunately, we have accepted man’s definition not knowing that we have been proud in God’s sight.
Anytime we take man’s definition in resistance of God’s definition, we emasculate the power of God in our lives.
Mark 7:13 – Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
David speaks of the proud in the Psalms:
Psalms 119:85– The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
(see also, 119:51, 69, 122, 78)
The book of Numbers describes the “most humble man” on the earth of that day:
Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
But now think about this: Who wrote the book of Numbers?
When David was sent to meet his brothers at the battle this was their attitude towards David:
1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
So, David’s brother accused David of pride. Notably, after Samuel had anointed David in their presence. This a result of Saul being rejected because he took it upon himself to do Samuel and God’s part. Saul dismissing Samuel’s position and authority.
David, whom God called “a man after my own heart” wrote:
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. (Prov 28:1)
Bold. Almost every major figure called of God at one time or another was called or considered arrogant, proud, conceited, and the like. Jesus included. Now, none of us would ever dare call Jesus “proud, arrogant, conceited, etc. But those around Jesus did.
What is true humility?
One thing Moses, David, and Jesus (and other Bible characters) had in common: They trusted God. They believed God to work things out.
I don’t know how many times I have heard the following scripture misquoted or short quoted:
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
So here, many just quit the scripture here and say “yea, see, be humble, be a doormat, God will bring you up someday”. So, if you can figure it out, good luck, hopefully you get it right.
But if you pay attention you see that verse ends with a colon “:”, not a period. The colon coming via the Bible translators.
The whole scripture thought tells us when we are truly humble per the biblical standard:
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
If you worry, you are proud. If you believe you must “make things happen”, you are proud. If you don’t believe God cares for you and will not take care of things, you are proud. And if you are proud, you are not humble. Jesus said that God would take care of things and add all things to you.
Matthew 6:34 – Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Romans 8:32 – He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Conclusion
So, true humility is the result of truly trusting God. When one truly trusts God, they are not disturbed by their circumstances (they may not like their circumstances, but they are not moved or overtly emotional about it).
They “proudly” declare God’s goodness.
They “proudly” declare God’s covenant towards them.
They “proudly” declare God’s mercy.
But most of all they “proudly” declare “God loves me, so I don’t worry, but humble myself and roll all my cares over on Him, for He cares for me”.
If you find that you are not trusting God, He has given us a simple way. It’s called “release your faith” So simply declare the scripture by faith. Do NOT worry if your head or emotions don’t agree. Simply speak the truth:
“Father, I humble myself. I roll the care of this matter over on you for you care for me.”
Anytime doubt, worry, anxiety, or any other challenge comes up, humble yourself and declare your Life Truth Today.
