In yesterday’s devotion we shared about King David’s humble and broken heart and his true repentance over his great sin with Bathsheba. In today’s devotion I would like to take a closer look at why humility is such an important Christian virtue.
The website, www.gotquestions.org, shares the following thoughts on humility:
“The Bible describes humility as meekness, lowliness, and absence of self. The Greek word translated “humility” in Colossians 3:12 and elsewhere literally means “lowliness of mind,” so we see that humility is a heart attitude, not merely an outward demeanor. One may put on an outward show of humility but still have a heart full of pride and arrogance. Jesus said that those who are “poor in spirit” would have the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). Being poor in spirit means that only those who admit to an absolute bankruptcy of spiritual worth will inherit eternal life. Therefore, humility is a prerequisite for the Christian.”1
How can you know if you are displaying a humble spirit? Well for starters a humble person will defer glory and credit to our Lord and Savior instead of boasting in his own self. He realizes that all of his blessings and talents all come from God. A humble person even accepts the trials that come his way knowing that God works all things for good in his life (Romans 8:28). Being humble also includes always having an attitude of gratitude and a thankful heart in all circumstances. Humility is also careful to give credit and show appreciation to those who have been a blessing to you.
To sum up a humble Christian always lives in submission to the Holy Spirit, acknowledges his faults and accepts criticism, gives God the credit for every aspect of his life, and is very careful to give God the glory for all of his accomplishments.
Below are some great quotes on humility that I pray will keep you humble in your daily walk with the Lord.2
“Humility is the displacement of self by the enthronement of God.” ~ Andrew Murray
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” ~ C. S. Lewis
“Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.” ~ Ezra Taft Benson
“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” ~ John Wooden
“What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us; it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God.” ~ Monica Baldwin
“A man can counterfeit love, he can counterfeit faith, he can counterfeit hope and all the other graces, but it is very difficult to counterfeit humility.” ~ Dwight L. Moody
“Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you.” ~ Andrew Murray
“Let us watch against pride in every shape – pride of intellect, pride of wealth, pride of our own goodness. Nothing is so likely to keep a person out of heaven, and prevent them from seeing Christ, as pride. So long as we think we are something we shall never be saved. Let us pray for and cultivate humility; let us seek to know ourselves correctly, and to find out our place in the sight of a holy God.” ~ J. C. Ryle
“A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” ~ Isaac Newton
“Every good thing in the Christian life grows in the soil of humility. Without humility, every virtue and every grace withers. That’s why Calvin said humility is first, second, and third in the Christian faith.” ~ John Piper
“It takes simplicity and humility to worship God acceptably.” ~ Aiden Wilson Tozer
“The more you forget yourself, the more Jesus will think of you.” ~ Mother Teresa
“Humility opens the door of opportunity.” ~ Lysa TerKeurst
“The way to Christ is first through humility, second through humility, and third through humility. If humility does not precede and accompany and follow every good work we do, if it is not before us to focus on, if it is not beside us to lean upon, if it is not behind us to fence us in, pride will wrench from our hand any good deed we do at the very moment we do it.” ~ Saint Augustine
“I am persuaded that love and humility are the highest attainments in the school of Christ and the brightest evidences that He is indeed our Master.” ~ John Newton
1 What does the Bible say about humility? | GotQuestions.org
2 All of the quotes below are from the following website:
TOP 25 HUMILITY QUOTES (of 1000) | A-Z Quotes (azquotes.com)