H u m i l i t y. | SermonIndex

sermonindex Jan 30, 2006

H u m i l i t y.This has been on my heart the last couple of days. I think that humility is something that is lacking in Christianity today. ...It is handing everything over to the Lord so that He can be my all. It is something that I need so much more in my life. Humility is precious and it is beautiful. The one the Lord esteems is he who is humble and contrite in spirit. We are prideful humans by nature and in the world today, it is not easy to rid of all pride. It is a lifelong task that takes hard work and patience. Webster defines humility as “reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission.” Submit to His ways, let go of pride…and let humility be a reflection of my heart."In God's presence, humility is not a posture we assume for a time-when we think of Him or pray to Him- but the very spirit of our life.” {Andrew Murray} The perfect example of humility is Jesus Himself. He is the one who sat and washed His disciples’ feet. He was the one who was ridiculed by the Pharisees. He was the one who spent time with the beggars, the hurting, and the weak. He is the one who made Himself nothing so that others could have everlasting life.I read this today:"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross "from: http://www.xanga.com/humble1

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roadsign Jan 30, 2006

Thank you for your post, Greg. I'm glad you added this line: It is a lifelong task that takes hard work and patience.The decreasing process is life-long. "He must increase, I must decrease". That is the journey to humility.There is a tension that arises here. We are supposed to be exemplarary models in front of the world - of people who don't live in sin, who are loving, humble,victorious, etc.However, the very process of decreasing us and making us humble is through our failures to maintain that standard of exemplary Christian life. From my personal experience, it seems like the decreasing process happens when I mess up, especially in front of others. I feel like I'm being a lousy example of a Christian. This has at times been very frustrating, even discouraging. Many times, I felt like I didn't even want to refer to myself as a "Christian" because I wasn't worth of the title. Then the Spirit would remind me that he was decreasing me, so Christ could be increased in me. If God didn't assure me with those words, I would have felt that I was moving in the wrong direction in my spiritual journey. After all, aren't we supposed to get BETTER, rather than WORSE? God knows what he is doing! On our journey to become better, pride has a way of creeping in: Look everyone, now, see, I am a good Christian, and better than you!And just when we think we are on the right track, boom!! We mess up big time and do or say something totally "unchristian" Once again we see our need to draw near to our Lord, and cling to him. This reminds me of the need to be patient, not only with ourselves, but also with others who fail. Also, we cannot put anyone on a pededistal, thinking that they should know better, since they should have "arrived" by now. As you said, humility is a life-long process. Humility grows through many hard knocks. Diane

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worzle Jan 31, 2006

Isa 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

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martymill Jan 31, 2006

An excellent and practical book on this subject is "Humility" by Andrew Murray.It made me examin myself and my motives. It's the kind of book that I should read once a year.Martin

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moreofHim Jan 31, 2006

What is amazing to me and I am praising God for right now is that this little devotional was written by a 16 year old :-)(yes, I am a little partial) It is such an encouragement to see a younger generation rising up to want to please God in every area of their lives and understand what true humility is. It is such a blessing to me to read her journals/devotionals. There is hope for the future- praise God! www.xanga.com/humble1 I know that Andrew Murray's "Humility' is one of her favorite books (and mine as well!) Thanks for posting this Greg :)In His love, Chanin

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crsschk Jan 31, 2006

I know it's not necessary, but this was written by Arielle, a precious soul who has a dear mother as well.How timely this is and needeful, with so much controversy about lately. Had a particular episode through pain last night that is beyond expression. Still the Lord was merciful. It is incredibly humbling ... I am so thankfulAnd a child will lead themMay she continue to do so. God bless you Arielle.

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Quickend Jan 31, 2006

Quote:"The perfect example of humility is Jesus Himself. He is the one who sat and washed His disciples’ feet. He was the one who was ridiculed by the Pharisees. He was the one who spent time with the beggars, the hurting, and the weak. He is the one who made Himself nothing so that others could have everlasting life"Well, this is an awsome truth, and very well said. It is imposible to get my mind around it completly. When I meditated on it I was nearly brought to tears.