“Nothing is more natural and beautiful and blessed than to be nothing in order that God may be everything.”
Andrew Murray
I’m drawn to those who display humility like a moth attracted to light. Yet, humility is one of the most difficult attributes to attain as it goes against my sinful nature of pride. God is also attracted to humility because it reminds Him of His Son, Jesus. If we look at the life of Jesus, we will see hints of His humility and the ways He showed us to become humble.
1 Peter 2:23 says, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” Jesus displayed humility by trusting in His Father’s sovereignty. Instead of fighting back with His fists or words, Jesus declined reacting to His offenders. Jesus chose self-control by placing His trust in the Father, not in Himself. What was your response the last time someone offended you?
Another hint of humility is seen in Jesus’ surrender to the Father’s will and His dependence upon the Father. John 5:19 teaches us that Jesus, God incarnate, could do nothing by Himself and that He could only do what He saw His Father doing. Jesus only did His Father’s will. Do you follow your own desires and depend on yourself instead of the Holy Spirit?
In John 6:11, Jesus gave thanks for the five small barley loaves and two small fish from the boy’s lunch. By giving His Father thanks for the little, the lunch was multiplied to feed the multitude. Gratefulness is a byproduct of humility. Having an attitude of gratitude displays humility. Do you give God thanks regularly, even for the little things in life that are easily taken for granted?
Philippians 2:8 gives us a glimpse of humility through Jesus’ obedience, even death on the cross! The Cross is the ultimate indicator of Jesus displaying His humility. In what specific way is Jesus asking you to choose humility by obeying Him?
Jesus showed us humility while He hung on the cross, being crucified for what He didn’t deserve. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Forgiveness toward those who hurt you is humility in action. Who do you need to forgive?
Choose the way of humility through trusting and depending on God, surrendering and obeying the Father’s will over your own will, having a grateful heart, and forgiving others. These are hints of humility.
“Humility is the proper estimate of oneself.”
Charles Spurgeon
Relevant Reflection:
How can you display a hint of humility today?
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