Humility is a Choice

I struggle with having a humble heart. When I don’t get my way, pride gets in my way. I have the choice to submit to self and become proud, or submit to God and experience humility. Self wants to fight, but the Spirit leads me to walk by faith in peace. It’s my choice to live from a grace point of view or a get even mindset. Indeed it is under God’s mighty hand that I develop a humble heart. Without Him I embolden my pride, but when I put on humility I dress for spiritual success.

Paul uses the imagery of getting dressed. Each day we have a choice to put on a prideful attitude or one that esteems others as better than ourselves. When we defer to help fulfill another person’s needs or desires above our own, we chose to wear the attractive spirit of humility. When we move toward another’s perspective and support what’s important to them, we can delay our own gratification for another day. The choice of humility facilitates patience and grows intimacy.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).

Who needs your humble response? What problem could be solved by deferring to another? Perhaps you are in the middle of heated negotiations and though you believe you are right, you compromise for the best for the whole. Humility gives in for the sake of the greater good. In your child’s activities you may have occasion to give another family preference, even if your son or daughter is more deserving of the opportunity. Generosity is a delicious fruit of humility.

Above all, we trust Almighty God to bring about His best for us in His timing. We may feel hurt or taken advantage of, but we know Who is in control. When we give up our right to be right, we can rest in the Lord’s righteousness. Our attitude of humility is the result of our will surrendering  to God’s will. He looks for followers of Christ who die daily to self so He can raise them up for Himself. We demand our way less and seek His way more. Thus, don’t dress up in the apparel of arrogance, but in the gracious garments of humility. God’s grace floods into a humble heart.

“Learn from me (Jesus), for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, by Your grace I choose humility over pride. Teach me to rest in You.

Related Readings: Job 5:11; 1 Samuel 2:7-8; Matthew 23:12; Acts 20:19; Philippians 2:3

Post/Tweet today: God looks for followers of Christ who die daily to self, so He can raise them up for Himself. #wisdomhunters

Additional Resource: 10 ways to teach children humility: http://tinyurl.com/pm2g4rq

Order our new book, The Way of Wisdom: A Journey Towards Spiritual Growth,  just out          October 1st! Boyd’s one minute book video- http://bit.ly/1nhZ2bt