The Lodestar

The Nature of Humility

Humility is a virtue that often seems countercultural in today’s world. While society frequently celebrates self-promotion and personal achievements, the Bible teaches a different approach. Humility involves recognising one’s limitations and the transient nature of earthly possessions and accolades. The concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that everything we possess, whether material wealth, talents, or opportunities, is ultimately a gift from God.

Consider the biblical example of Job. Job was a man of great wealth and status. Yet, he lost everything in a series of devastating events (Job 1:21). Despite his profound suffering, Job remained humble, acknowledging that everything he had was from God and could be taken away by Him. Job’s response, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21), underscores the essence of humility—recognising our dependence on God’s will.

Biblical Mandates on Humility

The Bible consistently emphasises the importance of humility. In Proverbs, we read, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). This proverb highlights the dangers of pride and the inevitable downfall it brings. In contrast, humility is associated with wisdom and honour. The New Testament reiterates this message in James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10). This promise assures humility leads to divine favour and elevation in due time.

Jesus himself exemplified ultimate humility. Despite his divine nature, he took on the form of a servant and obeyed God’s will unto death (Philippians 2:8). His life and teachings remind us that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humble service and submission.

The Impermanence of Earthly Possessions

Another compelling reason to embrace humility is the impermanence of earthly possessions. Wealth, status, and even relationships are subject to change and loss. Jesus warned against placing our trust in temporal things, advising us to store treasures in heaven where they are secure (Matthew 6:19-20). This perspective shifts our focus from accumulating and protecting earthly possessions to living a life of spiritual significance.

The story of the rich young ruler in the Gospels provides a poignant illustration. When Jesus asked him to sell his possessions and follow Him, the young man went away sorrowful because he was very wealthy (Matthew 19:21-22). His attachment to his possessions prevented him from experiencing the true riches of following Christ. This narrative serves as a reminder that our possessions, no matter how significant, can be taken away, and our ultimate security lies in our relationship with God.

Practical Humility in Daily Life

Living humbly requires practical steps and a conscious effort to align our actions with our beliefs. One way to cultivate humility is through gratitude. Regularly acknowledging and giving thanks for what we have helps us remember that these blessings are not solely of our own making but gifts from a higher power.

Additionally, serving others is a powerful expression of humility. When we put the needs of others before our own, we reflect Jesus's servant-hearted nature. Volunteering, helping a neighbour, or simply offering a listening ear can all be acts of humility, demonstrating our understanding that we are all part of a larger community.

Humility is not merely a desirable trait but a fundamental aspect of a life lived following divine principles. Recognising that God can take everything we have at any time compels us to live with a humble and grateful heart. By embracing humility, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Bible and Jesus' example, finding proper peace and fulfilment in our dependence on God’s providence.

(David Paul, a devoted church member, passionately ignites the imaginations of aspiring writers with his eloquent prose. With fervent dedication, he strives to nurture the creative spark within budding writers, guiding them towards literary excellence and self-expression.)