Called To Be Humble
In light of all that is going on in our country today, I have seen 2nd Chronicles 7:14 posted several times on social media. This scripture says: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
After reading this scripture several times, it made me wonder if people really know what it means to humble themselves, especially since we live in a world where everyone wants to exalt themselves.
The word humble means showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance. It is just the opposite of the word exalt, which means to take on a higher status or position. In other words to think more highly of yourself than you should. To be humble is not a sign of weakness; actually, it is just the opposite. It shows incredible strength.
Humility comes from the Latin word humiliates, a noun related to the adjective homilies which may be translated as humble. Humility is behaving in a way that you do not think that you are better or more important than other people.
The more I thought about these definitions, I concluded that to be humble or to have humility is simply to be Christ-like.
Although He was the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, Christ did not enter the world in a flamboyant manner. His first place to rest His head was in a stable where he slept on hay. Certainly, if there was anyone that had a right to enter the world in all manners of royalty, it was Christ. He did not ask to be served, He served others. Again, He was royalty yet He served. There are examples of His servant’s heart all throughout scripture.
When Christ asked us to humble ourselves, He was asking that we emulate Him.
Philippians 2: 1-18
2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.5 In your relationships with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
So you may be asking, what are the characteristics of the humble?
Humble people are grateful.
Humble people are kind and respectful.
Humble people have a servant heart and attitude.
Humble people surrender to God’s authority in their lives.
Humble people forgive quickly.
Humble people are not. “Know It All’s”.
Humble people don’t focus on themselves.
Humble people are peaceful.
Humble people are not puffed up or proud.
Humble people don’t seek to receive credit.
Humble people don’t seek to impress others.
Humble people are happy about the success of others.
Humble people can admit when they are wrong.
Humble people don’t seek to have all the attention.
Humble people take personal responsibility for their actions.
As you commit to become more humble and to live a life of humility, there will be days when it will be more difficult than others will, during those times I encourage you to refer to the scriptures below for strength.
Ephesian 4:2
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Colossians 3:12
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
James 4:6
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[a]
James 4:10
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Luke 14:10
10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God.
Proverbs 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 22:4
Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.
