Freedom Calls

As children of the one true God, saved by the precious gift of grace and faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to embody the character of our Lord and Savior. One of the most essential qualities we are encouraged to cultivate is humility. In Ephesians 4:2, the apostle Paul exhorts us to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Let’s explore the biblical concept of humility, supported by the wisdom of great Christian thinkers and theologians.

The Definition of Humility

According to Charles Spurgeon, “Humility is the proper estimate of oneself” (Spurgeon, “The Importance of Humility”). It involves recognizing our limitations, weaknesses, and dependence on God.

In 1 Corinthians 4:7, Paul writes,

“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”

This verse reminds us that everything we have, including our talents and accomplishments, is a gift from God.

The Importance of Humility

In his book “Mere Christianity,” C.S. Lewis emphasizes the significance of humility: “According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride.

Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind” (Lewis, “Mere Christianity”).

Pride is the antithesis of humility, and it can lead us down a path of destruction.

Cultivating Humility

So, how can we cultivate humility in our lives? A.W. Tozer suggests, “The way to get the humble mind is to get the self-centered mind off your hands” (Tozer, “The Pursuit of God”).

This involves shifting our focus from ourselves to God and others.

In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes,

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

By prioritizing the needs of others, we can develop a more humble and selfless attitude.

The Relationship Between Humility and Love

Watchman Nee highlights the connection between humility and love: “Love is the outflow of a humble heart” (Nee, “The Normal Christian Life”). When we are humble, we are more likely to demonstrate love and compassion towards others. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Paul writes,

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

This passage describes the characteristics of love, which are closely tied to humility.

The Power of Humility in Evangelism

D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of humility in evangelism:

“If you want to win men to Christ, you must be willing to be nothing”

(Moody, “The Overcoming Life”).

When we approach others with humility, we are more likely to build trust and credibility. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes,

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” This passage highlights the paradoxical nature of humility: when we are weak, we are strong in Christ.

Humility is a vital quality that every Christian should strive to cultivate. By recognizing our limitations, weaknesses, and dependence on God, we can develop a more humble and selfless attitude.

As we prioritize the needs of others and demonstrate love and compassion, we reflect the character of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May we heed the words of Ephesians 4:2 and strive to be completely humble and gentle, bearing with one another in love.

References:

• Spurgeon, C.H. “The Importance of Humility.”
• Lewis, C.S. “Mere Christianity.”
• Tozer, A.W. “The Pursuit of God.”
• Nee, W. “The Normal Christian Life.”
• Moody, D.L. “The Overcoming Life.”
• The Holy Bible, New International Version.