That elusive characteristic of humility <3
I am not even going to start off with some kind of comment about the weather because seriously….what is up with it??
So we will move along to the musing du jour for your Thursday inbox.
We ended our pre-Easter series at FCC on the book of Mark with a lesson on how Christ modeled for us true humility in His teachings and by His example.
He led the charge on servant-leadership and putting others first while maintaining an appropriate concept of His identity and authority with righteous perspective.
He set aside all that was due Him in order to become like us, and while we often attribute this to His love FOR us, it is clear He did so in obedience and submission to His Father.
Something we struggle with, or at least I know I do.
Tricky for us humans is the whole humility thing.
You know what they say about it, right? As soon as you start thinking maybe you have humility down…well, there you go…you most likely are back in the tar pit of pride.
Often it is easier to identify humility by observing our fellow sojourners and travelers on this journey.
However, even there we can get it skewed as we tend to equate humility with those who are less affluent or more polite; and the whole thing can get even more murky in the waters of political correctness.
First off, wealth and status are not the deal breakers for the humble. I once heard someone describe their parents as having been “rather proud of their humble lifestyle.” I have also seen people who are over-the-top gracious but, in truth, quite filled with an abundance of pride over this quality in themselves.
I think part of it is our lack of understanding of Christ’s humility.
It was not denying His identity, power and status in the universe; but rather not demanding all the rights, privileges and honor due Him because of it.
For me, I believe my search to imitate His example is found in examining my reaction in every day settings where I notice a kind of “Hey! Wait a minute!….How come I am being treated this way???” attitude cropping up.
It is recognizing that we live in a world where hyper-defensiveness toward being offended is reaching epidemic proportions.
Even the passing of a respected and well-loved leader can spark a barrage of hateful rhetoric as sides are formed and mud slings in every direction.
A spirit of offense is a red flag of pride and I know this because the Cross of Christ offends. It represents the ultimate act of humility.
Webster defines humility as “not proud or haughty, not arrogant or assertive; reflecting, expressing or offering in a spirit of deference or submission.”
God defines it this way…
Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who though he was God did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. And he humbled himself even further, going so far as to actually die a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2: 5-8 The Living Bible
So I ask myself today…how is my attitude?
Is it easily offended or does it willingly take up the offense of the Cross of Christ?
Be blessed today as you ponder that question for yourself….remember…He did all the work for us, we simply come humbly before Him and receive it <3