Humility Lesson, Part 1

Humility is what God wants me to focus on lately.  I recently prayed for God to help me see my heart and what I need to change to be better used by Him.   At our recent Men's Retreat in Prescott, I attended a group discussion on the topic of humility.  The theme of the retreat was Mighty Man of God, based off the book by Sam Laing.  On page 22 of chapter two, Laing points out from Jesus' words in John 5:30, "If Jesus, who was the son of God, said he could do nothing apart from God, how much greater is our need!"   Mike Rock (our guest speaker at the retreat) powerfully preached about the awesomeness of Jesus to embody perfect humility.  Philippians 2:5-6 has been the most convicting: "Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage."   Even more convicting to me personally: so often I am more like Satan, who was created to praise God and contends for equality with God.  Since it is so central to the character of Christ and other great Biblical leaders, humility is obviously a key characteristic for anyone to become a mighty man.   Not only to become but to stay a mighty man!

We discussed humility "defined as having a sense of need" (Laing, p.21).  Three particular needs develop our humility: 1. The need for God, 2. The need to be open, and 3. The need to serve.  Just as humility is a must characteristic of someone who is godly, the opposite—pride, is the biggest contender against godliness.  Not flesh and blood, but the spiritual battle lines are clearly perceived, pride against humility or humility against pride!   It is always our choice who we will serve.  Are we convinced they are as opposite as good and evil?  I am convinced, and consequently resolved to wage war against Satan by going after the above areas.   I am challenged to act on what God has revealed to me lately because the Bible clearly shows a pragmatic element to believing in Christ.  James finds reason to state it emphatically, "just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead" (James 2:26 HCSB).   So regardless of what the left or right wing views within Christian theology say, the promise of spiritual life comes through a responsibility on our part.   This life is received and maintained by reliance on the Holy Spirit by specific putting to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13).  Perhaps time and significant progress will reveal other ways of perceiving my deepest needs, but perceiving and meeting them is always a matter of humility to God.

The next lesson will be on the opposing nature of pride and humility.