Tag Archives: humility

April 4, 2016

The Virtue Nobody Wants-Day 19

By marilynnchadwick

If you want to be strong, be humble. Strength comes through humility. The Bible consistently reminds us of this paradox. As believers, we are called to be servants. To give up our rights and die to self.  During our 21 Days of Strength, we’ve been reflecting on ways to find strength in the Lord.  In considering humility as one of those ways, I’m reminded of Paul’s realization that only when he was “weak,” was he truly “strong”  (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Bottom line? If I truly want to be strong in the Lord, I must also be humble. So I want to spend some time reflecting on the delicate balance in the Bible between strength and humility.

We hear a lot about humility, but it seems to be the virtue nobody really wants. We admire it when we see it in others. But it’s so against our nature to walk in humility that most of us run the other way.

I once read a quote that said something like this: “Truly great people are also the most humble. Arrogance is the consolation price for those who aren’t at the top.” I’ve found this to be true. Some of the most outstanding and honorable people I’ve met are also humble. It’s a virtue I greatly admire, and one I’ve tried to teach our children as they were growing up.

The Bible is clear about the connection between humility and honor. We’re reminded that “humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 18:12).   “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up,” comes the strong admonition in James 4:10. Humbling ourselves in this verse literally means “to be made low.” Another version adds weight to this promise: “He will lift you up and make your lives significant” (James 4:10 AMP).

A friend of mine who actually seems quite confident expressed his understanding of humility this way: “Without Christ, I am an incredibly insecure person, and so I stick close to Him.” Isn’t that what humility really is? Apart from Christ, I’m weak and I know it. So I’m going to make a point of sticking close to Him.

This is also called abiding. Jesus made it clear that abiding in Him is the secret to our strength. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 ESV).

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October 13, 2015

30 Days of Thankful: Day 11

By marilynnchadwick

How not to say thank you. An unusual topic for Day 11 of 30 Days of Thankful.  Is it possible to offend God with the way we thank Him? Apparently so—if our “thank you” comes from a self-righteous heart. Jesus told this story to a group of religious leaders who were confident in their own “goodness” and scorned everyone else:

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get. ’“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:10-13).

The two men couldn’t have been more different. The Pharisee was well-bred, well-educated, and well-off. He had an impressive religious pedigree. He had arrived. The tax-collector, on the other hand, was a loser.  To the Jews, he was an object of scorn–a  pagan Gentile.   A sinner, and easy to despise. He had no social standing, no prestige, and probably not many friends. Then as now—nobody much likes a tax collector.

At first glance, it looks like the Pharisee is thanking God for his many blessings. But a closer look lets us in on the real truth.  His “prayer of thanks” was just a way to boast that he wasn’t like the “evildoers.”  He probably spoke loudly enough for the tax collector to hear him.   Then, his “thanks” to God was just an announcement of his own righteousness–a reminder to everyone in his hearing that he fasted and tithed.

The Greek translation of this passage sheds even more light on the true nature of this man’s prayer: “The Pharisee stood and prayed like this to himself” (Luke 18:11 MOUNCE).  To himself. Did you catch that? The Pharisee’s prayer went no further than himself.

But the tax collector was stricken at his own sinfulness. He stood at a distance—not even daring to look to heaven as he uttered, “God have mercy on me, a sinner” (v. 13).

Jesus spells it out plainly:  The tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified—righteous before God. His prayers were heard.

A few reminders as we develop a thankful heart:

  1. True thankfulness is always accompanied by humility.
  2. None of our acts of righteousness will ever make us righteous in God’s sight—we all need grace and mercy, just like the tax collector.
  3. The ground at the foot of the cross is level.

 

 

 

 

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January 8, 2015

Day Three: Fasting Tip

By marilynnchadwick

Day three of fasting and prayer.  I’ve been reminded throughout the day to pray for Pastor Saeed as we continue our 21 Day Fast.   I think fasting does that.  It seems to sharpen my inner hearing and makes me more alert.

Let’s keep standing strong with Naghmeh Abedini.  Press on with whatever version of prayer and fasting you have chosen.  Naghmeh’s schedule is incredibly grinding as she travels to speak to world leaders and media outlets on Saeed’s behalf.  A self-described “homebody,”  she admits the travel can be exhausting.  So today, let’s pray specifically for God to renew Naghmeh’s strength.

A few more thoughts on fasting:

“Give me some tips on how you fast.”  My friend’s question the other day got me thinking.  How do I fast?  What have I learned that’s made fasting a valuable part of my prayer life? First, I should point out that fasting does not make us super saints.  In fact, Jesus cautions his disciples not to be prideful when we fast.  Or when we pray.  Or give, or serve.

When you fast, Jesus tells us, don’t parade around your spirituality for others to see.  Dress nicely, wear your makeup, go about business as usual.  Then your father in heaven, “who sees is done in secret”  will reward you (see Matthew 6:16-18).

To some very religious people who were proud of their fasting, Jesus told this parable:

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evil doers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted”  (Luke 9-14 NIV).

Instead of making me proud, fasting should gently squeeze me into the place of humility.  My awareness of sin starts to bubble to the surface when I fast.  That humbles me.  So confession has become an important part of fasting.  It’s like spring cleaning for my soul.

Today’s simple tip?  Use this season of fasting and prayer to humble yourself.   It’s a good time for personal reflection and confession.  Click here to read some of Naghmeh’s thoughts and insights during her fast.

And remember, God is pleased just because you are setting your mind to seek Him.  Don’t forget how much He loves you.  Go boldly to that throne of grace and ask the Lord’s help in areas you feel stuck.  Repent and receive His forgiveness and power.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).”

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January 3, 2013

boasting!

By marilynnchadwick

Boasting! It’s our national pastime. American as apple pie.  Our athletes sport a swagger.  Our politicians crow about their accomplishments. Our bumper stickers flaunt our favorite teams, our super kids, our alma maters. Talents, treasures, triumphs.  Our achievements win us bragging rights. At times, we all like to “toot our own horn.”  I grew up in the deep South where we had an expression for the ultimate boast:  “No brag. Just fact.”  So what’s wrong with a little dose of healthy pride?  Continue reading

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December 18, 2012

humility!

By marilynnchadwick

Who is wise…? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13)

Humility! The virtue that gets lost in the speed of fast-track living. From the Greek word, prautes, humility is “gentleness, not born in weakness, but in power.”  I’ve heard it referred to as”bridled power.”  James tells us a little secret.  True humility only comes from wisdom. But here’s the catch.  Only heavenly wisdom produces humility.  Counterfeit, or earthly, wisdom is simply a veneer over secret pride. Continue reading

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