HUMILITY
It was not uncommon years ago for individuals to close letters and correspondence with “very
humbly yours,” or “your humble servant,” or some other phrase which emphasized the humility
of the writer. In today’s world, however, such wording is seldom seen. Has humility become an
unpopular virtue with most folks today? Have we become a society of publicity seekers and self-
servers? At times, it certainly seems so.
Such attitudes were not characteristic of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote concerning our Lord: “Have
this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not
the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of
a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled
himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:5-8). The Lord
did not call attention to Himself. Isaiah wrote, “He will not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor cause it
to be heard in the street” (Isa. 42:2).
Genuine Christians will pattern their lives after Christ and do the best they can in any given
set of circumstances--they then let their deeds and achievements speak for themselves. We read
the following in Proverbs 6:16-19, “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an
abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An
heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness
that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Please note that the first thing
on that list of things God considers to be an abomination is “a proud look.” We also read “Pride
goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Pro. 16:18). Although nearly everyone appreciates the praise of others, at the same time, we should not go
around seeking accolades from our peers. And genuine Christians do not become insecure and
disturbed if they are overlooked when commendations are given. Someone has said, “It is a great
matter to desire genuine virtues, but it is just as great to conceal them.” We certainly agree with
that sentiment.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: We should give thanks to God for the good things we have, and
also for the bad things we don’t have!
Love ya,
Jesse
humbly yours,” or “your humble servant,” or some other phrase which emphasized the humility
of the writer. In today’s world, however, such wording is seldom seen. Has humility become an
unpopular virtue with most folks today? Have we become a society of publicity seekers and self-
servers? At times, it certainly seems so.
Such attitudes were not characteristic of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote concerning our Lord: “Have
this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not
the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of
a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled
himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:5-8). The Lord
did not call attention to Himself. Isaiah wrote, “He will not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor cause it
to be heard in the street” (Isa. 42:2).
Genuine Christians will pattern their lives after Christ and do the best they can in any given
set of circumstances--they then let their deeds and achievements speak for themselves. We read
the following in Proverbs 6:16-19, “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an
abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An
heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness
that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Please note that the first thing
on that list of things God considers to be an abomination is “a proud look.” We also read “Pride
goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Pro. 16:18). Although nearly everyone appreciates the praise of others, at the same time, we should not go
around seeking accolades from our peers. And genuine Christians do not become insecure and
disturbed if they are overlooked when commendations are given. Someone has said, “It is a great
matter to desire genuine virtues, but it is just as great to conceal them.” We certainly agree with
that sentiment.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: We should give thanks to God for the good things we have, and
also for the bad things we don’t have!
Love ya,
Jesse
Comments
Post a Comment