Humility is not . . .

. . . a characteristic we develop or an ability we achieve. We become more aware of it with time, but not because we are necessarily better at it. Let me explain.

I have recently experienced a humbling moment (unfortunately, it only comes in moments). It was a recognition of the love and sacrifice of a set of parents for their child (common enough), but they displayed this love by the ongoing separation from their child in the service of the Creator of the universe (missionaries in another country while their child is a student here at BFA). Certainly, honorable service will always have some difficulties or challenging responsibilities. Still, what I saw was joy in the life of their child, a twinge of remorse for being separated, but a clear conviction in their purpose to serve the Lord Jesus in a potentially dangerous environment. That mixture of love and devotion is rare enough, but to see it in such a young couple invokes what I would call humility in me. I guess that is why humility can appear more as I get older because I have more opportunities to view others younger than myself who make those selfless choices I did not make. Fortunately, regret is not the reaction that God wants from us. I believe that He greatest desire is that we take those moments and are encouraged to do the same.

Jesus says in Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” As a teacher, it is encouraging that Jesus wants us to learn from Him. He is the ultimate teacher, and the lesson of humility is the prime objective. Like any great teacher, He models the example for us. In Philippians 2:3-8, Paul writes, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” And Jesus did this as a young man.

So, what is humility? I believe it is the sensitivity to see and receive the truth that life is more that what I can get or do for myself or even my family. It is lived out quietly, but deliberately, and is a source of strength and comfort to those who have eyes to see.