"The daily insignificances of daily life are the tests of eternity because they prove what spirit possesses us. It is in our most unguarded moments that we really show and see what we are... to know how a humble man behaves, you must follow him in the common course of daily life".
A. Murray reminds us that it is possible to have the delusion of being humble and loving when in reality we are not. Genuine humility is evident moment by moment through words, attitudes and behavior. Again, We can't produce the humility of Christ within us, it is the work of grace as we choose to respond to life, to difficult people and circumstances in total dependence, compassion, patience, kindness... expecting God to do His work of grace in others.
We need to cultivate the habit of seeing every difficult person or life situation as God's way to help us develop a humble and gracious heart to honor Him and to influence people through genuine love.
If I choose to make myself nothing before a person or situation because of what God is, what He does for me and what He can do through me, I am imitating the humility of Christ (He made Himself nothing... Philippians 2:7). I m also depending on His Spirit and letting God be God. The choice is always before me. Do I seek self-protection or God's protection? Do I seek my own way or do I let God have His way?
"The humility that is really mine is not that which I try to show before God in prayer, but that which I carry with me in my ordinary conduct"
I must beg the Lord to reveal and remove from my mind and heart all forms of pride so that dying to self becomes more than a biblical concept.
Paul teaches us that the grace of humility is at the root of true love - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs...(1 Cor. 13:4-5)
The exercise of the grace of humility as we seek to improve or restore all relationships, especially marriage relationships has redeeming power. Only a humble believer has the power of the Holy Spirit to relate to others in love.
What spiritual habits show humility before God and produce redeeming power? I find the following habits essential -
- Meditating on God's Word daily (He has exalted His name and His Word above all else (Psalm 138:2).
- Offering myself (mind, heart, will, actions) to the Lord (Romans 12:1-2).
- Devoting myself to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2).
What habits, attitudes, actions show humility before others and produce redeeming power? For my own sake I personalize the following attitudes and behaviors outlined in Colossians 3:12-17 (The Message, except v.16).
- To see myself as chosen by God for this new life of love (v.12).
- To clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline (v.12)
- To be even tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. To forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave me. And regardless what else I put on, to wear love. It is my basic, all purpose garment (v.13-14).
- To let the peace of Christ keep me in tune with others, in step with them. None of this going off and doing my own thing (v.15).
- To cultivate thankfulness (v.15).
- To let the Word of Christ dwell in me richly as I teach and admonish others with all wisdom...and gratitude in my heart to God (v.16).
- To let every detail in my life...be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way(v.17).
Let's build a solid relationship with the Lord and with others by imitating His Humility - God is working in us to will and to act for His good purposes (Phil.2:13).
