Photo by Finding Dan | Dan Grinwis on Unsplash

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https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/walking-humbly-with-god/

In today’s Western society we are encouraged to announce our successes and hide our failures. To market ourselves to the masses via social networks and live and die by our likes or lack thereof. Our culture seems to inspire boastfulness. The media is saturated with photos of and stories about the rich, the beautiful, the powerful and sells the idea that we need what they have, breeding idolatry, envy and dissatisfaction.

Even the way we obtain employment or gain a promotion requires us to advertise our strong points and perform well at interview. It certainly doesn’t feel natural being questioned and trying to portray our best qualities, when we are attempting to remember to breathe and think at the same time. We end up feeling like an imposter, sitting with the fear that our weaknesses will be exposed, and our false sense of status will end up in disgrace. This is a biblical principle.

When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame,
But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind.

Proverbs 11:2 (AMP)

God does not want us to walk around striving to re-present someone else, how they look, dress, speak or conduct their life. Mimicry is a form of idolatry. Nor does he want us to yearn for what they have – this is jealousy. The bible is clear about what God desires from us:

He has told you, O man, what is good;
    and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
    and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 (ESV)

Humility is not the same as humiliation. Humiliation is something we all want to avoid. Humility is freedom from pride or arrogance and a deep respect for others and the limits of one’s own knowledge. It could also be worded as release from enslavement to self-importance and caring for others, aware that we don’t know everything. We avoid being puffed up and don’t fear being unmasked. We are our authentic selves able to relate to others without falsehood.

The kingdom of heaven works on vastly different principles to the world. Jesus said:

Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:4 (NKJV)

There are many scriptures about humility. They show us that when we are unaffected by status and pride, we are teachable, we reach out to the poor and the destitute, we are kind and we pursue justice for the weak. Additionally, we serve others and glorify God with our thoughts and actions. The bible also specifies that God will save and honour the meek.

As counter cultural as it seems, let’s choose to walk humbly on this earth. The only one worthy of copying is Jesus. We can go deep in the gospels and see for ourselves how he lived and demonstrated the love of God. We can invest time in prayer, praise and worship. The closer our relationship with Him, the more the knowledge of Him will saturate our lives and overflow into the world around us.

I hope you enjoyed the blog. I’d love to hear your experiences with humility and pride. If you would like to comment, or subscribe so you don’t miss any future blog posts, do so below. If you would like to contact me directly, you can do so at admin@jesus4generations.com. God bless you and your family!

References:

What Does the Bible Say About Humility? (openbible.info)

Matthew 18:4 NKJV – Therefore whoever humbles himself as – Bible Gateway

Humility Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster

Humbleness vs. Humility — What’s the Difference? (askdifference.com)

Psalm 25:9 NIV – He guides the humble in what is right – Bible Gateway