For some reason, I love thinking about words and the meaning of words. God created each of us to be remarkable and wonderful (Ps. 139:14 CSB) so I assume this is part of my “remarkable and wonderful”.
A simple definition of the word, humility is “lack of vanity or self-importance”. In reading that, I contemplated each word’s meaning and I wanted more detail on the word vanity, so I looked up the definition. Here are the first two definitions that I found: 1: inflated pride in oneself or one’s appearance: conceit. 2: something that is vain, empty, or valueless.
I found it funny to read those definitions together. It describes my struggle with humility exactly. #1 I have inflated pride in myself and then #2 I realize my pride is empty and valueless. Even Merriam-Webster understands my fight for humility.
Surrender to God’s love strengthens me to turn to Him, praise, and trust Him, which makes me aware of God’s faithfulness and keeps me from the empty pursuit of self-importance.
As we walk in Christ we look to His importance and not our own. We ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and ears to the meaning of His word. Our solid foundation lies in the Holy Spirit’s direction over scripture and the truth that scripture is alive and active in our lives.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
In God’s wisdom, life is all about surrendering to His righteous purpose, so that we do not become selfish and prideful. Our position in Him is one of humility. Living from humility, by faith, makes us right with God.
Habakkuk 2:4
“Behold, as for the proud one, his soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith.
The truth is our competency, adequacy, and ministry are God-given and Spirit-led.
2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (CSB)
It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God. 6 He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
This is our new life and purpose in Jesus Christ.
Every day we choose humility by giving each action, word, and thought as a gift of honor to God. We are His children and we bear His name. In this place of humble dependence, we experience hope, joy, peace, and purpose in His love for us.