In the previous devotional I raised the topic of humility. In Daniel 4, the pagan king was full of himself. But God taught him a lesson and punished him for seven years. He was made to live like an animal and even eat like one.

When he finally acknowledged God and was restored to his former self, he said: “for all [God’s] works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37).

In short, pride bad, humility good.

But if humility is so good, how might we define it? Humility is being down-to-earth and unpretentious as you yield to God for the benefit of others. 

The word “humility” comes from the word humus—meaning earth or soil. So, humility is being “down-to-earth and unpretentious.” We don’t think we’re better than others. We don’t look down our noses at others or stand in final judgment.

The goal is to “yield to God” since he knows better than we do. And we do this “for the benefit of others.”

In Philippians 2 the apostle Paul tells us to have the same mindset as Jesus (verse 5). He goes on to say that Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” It says very specifically that the Lord whom we are to emulate humbled himself. He then went to the cross—not because it was fun, but to die in our place and to give us forgiveness, reconciliation and peace with God forever. Think back to our definition of humility. He perfectly yielded to the will of his heavenly Father and went to the cross for the benefit of others.

Do we know better than Jesus? Are we higher or wiser than him? Of course not.

We always run the risk of wanting to be first, of being an expert when we’re not, and thinking more highly of ourselves than we should. Perhaps it is because we think—deep down—that humility means weakness. But it doesn’t. Just look at the example of Jesus. 

Humility is often seen as weakness in the eyes of the world, but it is seen as greatness in the eyes of God.

Let’s have a clear view of things. Let’s stand boldly for God’s truth—and at the same time emulate the humility of Christ. Let’s honour God in all situations—and at the same time emulate the humility of Christ. 

Humility is often seen as weakness in the eyes of the world, but it is seen as greatness in the eyes of God.

Notes:

-“There is no version of a better world without humility.” Click here. Sermon.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.