Humility
“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew 5:5
It’s impossible to exaggerate the revolutionary nature of Jesus’ words. He was introducing his disciples to a totally new upside-down kingdom. This Beatitude reminds me of the words of Mary’s song of praise when she was pregnant with Jesus. She sang: “His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.” (Luke 1:51-52) The kingdom of God that Jesus ushered in was going to be shaped by obedience to God’s will, not by earthly power, prestige and influence.
The key to God’s kingdom is humility. Martin Luther wrote: “Until a man is nothing, God can make nothing of him.” It is when we recognise our frailty and weakness that God is able to make something of us. Humility is a vital quality in every part of life. For example, the person who pretends that they know everything is unteachable. But the person who recognises that they are ignorant, puts themselves in the best possible position to gain knowledge.
JC Ryle was the first bishop of Liverpool and he wrote: “Humility is the very first letter in the alphabet of Christianity.” Our relationship with Christ needs to begin with us freely acknowledging our inadequacies and failures. He is then able to forgive us and renew us by his Spirit. He can then give us gifts that will enable us to serve him effectively. But as long as we are hanging on to our self-confidence and pride the Lord is powerless to bless us.
Humility is the door through which we enter into this amazing new kingdom that Jesus established, in which the love, joy and peace of God are in control. The power structures of the world no longer have any relevance because God is King.
QUESTION
What has helped you to understand humility in your own life?
PRAYER
Lord God, forgive the foolishness of my pride. Help me to become increasingly humble as I live for you. Amen