Developing Christian Character
The Characteristic of
“Humility”
The Bible says in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are high above the earth so are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.” The ways of God are different from the ways of man. If you want to live you must die, if you want to go up you must get down, if you want to be strong you must become weak, if you want in you got to get out. WHY because you are operating in a spiritual realm. In the natural realm if you want to be in the in crowd you must be around the in crowd to be noticed by them, but in the spiritual God said come out from among them and be ye separate and I shall receive you unto myself. Understand there is no more of an in crowd than the crowd that will go sweeping through the city. There is no more in crowd than that crowd that dwells in the secret place of the most high. There is no more of an in crowd than those that will be in the New Jerusalem. There is no more of an in crowd than those that are in the rapture. You want to be in the in crowd come out from among them.
We must understand that in order to go up we must go down, to be exalted, we must become abased, this is the prescription for spiritual success. The Bible says in 2nd Chronicles 7:14 “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and prayer, turn from their wicked ways, and seek my face then will I hear from heaven, I will forgive their sin, and heal their land.” This is concrete proof that God works when His people humble themselves. It is the promise of the Lord and He cannot lie.
Humbleness is the foremost of all characteristics required by the Word of God, yet many people do not seek this characteristic, they feel that humbleness is a sign of weakness; however, until we are humble there can be increase.
“Humility is probably the most unpopular virtue demanded by the gospel, yet until man is humble, no good thing can come from him no matter what he may do. The Lord can do such great things for us if we are humble, and so very little for us when we are proud.” Author Unknown
We must understand that nobody has ever been anybody in the Bible unless he has put into practice humility. We must understand that humbleness is primordial to our Christian development. The 11th chapter of Hebrews, which is called the Hall of Faith, is full of people who first and foremost humbled themselves and then were able to be used by God.
Humility is not a popular topic today because people associate it with weakness or a lacking backbone. It is seen as being an indication of spinelessness, a lack of aggression and forcefulness; the direct opposite of strength and positiveness.
Humility is a grace that is to be treasured. In James 4:6 says: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Proverbs. 15:33 says: “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is Humility” Luke 14:11 says “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Humility is a love that reaches out to redeem our lives. It teaches us to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Christ. Micah 6:8. Humblenss is opposite to haughtiness and egotism. Not everyone is blessed with the characteristic of Humility. Humility is a characteristic, which permits us to do something for others without expecting something in return. It is doing a service that is done freely and willingly with Love, affection and friendship. The humble person is always mindful of his relationship with God. He seeks to please God by his every thought and action. Humility is not a weakness; it is strength, a knowledge and wisdom without equal. Humility is a love that is divine in nature and is an indication that Gods love lives in the heart.
The Bible says in Proverbs 18:12 “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is Humility”
In James 1:19-20 we are admonished to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” Therefore the person with humility considers things quietly giving due consideration to every aspect of making his decision hurriedly. I saw a sign just the other day that said “He who thinks twice before saying nothing is wise.” The humble person has the time to listen, the wisdom to speak, and the patience to act, and they forever have their tongue under control, they think twice and speak once.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HUMBLE?
The dictionary says it is having or showing a sense of lowliness or inferiority. It is not a proud or haughty attitude, it is not being arrogant, but a spirit of deference and submission. It is not slavery or weakness, but it is the free will of a person to bring under subjection himself or herself in order, that, that which needs to be accomplished, is accomplished.
Humbleness is a modest estimation of one’s self Romans 12:3 says “For I say through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” John the Baptist said I must decrease that He may increase.
Humbleness is a self-abased attitude, the Bible says in Mark 8:34 “…Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” The cross was a symbol of shame, disgrace and humiliation. The one carrying the cross had been judged by the magistrates and found guilty of a crime, they were sentenced to be crucified on a cross, this the Bible says is a curse, “curseth is he that hangeth on a tree”. So the cross represented shame, disgrace, humiliation, and a curse. For a person to willfully take up the cross was saying that they didn’t care of the shame, disgrace, humiliation, or so-called curse as long as they could do what needed to be done in-order to be like Christ. Humbleness is not searching for popularity and glamour, but is bringing yourself, your attitude, your pride, and your feelings under subjection and accomplishing that which needs to be accomplished. It is not looking for popularity in the eyes of society, but in the sight of God and that God may be Glorified.
There are several Greek words used in the New Testament for Humble and Humility.
· Tapeinos = low, lowly. James 4:6, 1st Peter 5:5
· Tapeinoo = to make low. Matthew 18:4 23:12, 2nd Corinthians 12:21
·Tapeinomau = to make oneself low Philippians 2:8, James 4:10, 1st Peter 5:6
· Tapeinophros = lowliness of mind Colossians 2:18, 2:23, Acts20:19
Simply stated humbleness means being of a low estate. It is seeing others as higher than ourselves. The Greek word “tapeinoo” means to level a mountain or hill. A humble person is one that has no hills or mountains sticking up, they are not filled with arrogance and self-pride. They do not jockey for position or brag about their achievements, they are not worried about the fanfare and recognition. If we look at the mission of John the Baptist we understand that his purpose was to preach repentance, which is the humbling of a person before God in order that they may receive salvation. The Bible says in Luke 3:5 “Every valley shall be filled up and every mountain and hill made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth.” John’s purpose was to make ready the hearts of people, to cause them to become humble and receive salvation. He understood his purpose; therefore, brought himself under subjection, he didn’t become arrogant and prideful, but understood that he had to decrease in-order that Jesus would increase. John the Baptist was poor in spirit, HUMBLED.
Humility is to be poor in spirit. Jesus said in Matthew the 5th chapter, which is called “The Beatitudes”. The word “Beatitude” comes from a Latin word called “Beatus” which is to be at a state of utmost bliss. The 1st beatitude is “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The word Blessed is derived from the Greek word “makarios” it means supremely blest and the Hebrew word “asher” which means to speak well of and is in similarity to happy and fortunate, which in English etymology goes back to hap, chance, or good luck. When spoken in the beatitudes it emphasizes the wisdom of spiritual maturity that is the result of Christ-likeness.
· Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: – Understand this is poor in spirit and not poor spirited. Poor in spirit means to be broken of self. You are not relying on yourself for anything. The apostle Paul said “I know that in me, that is in this flesh, dwelleth no good thing.” John the Baptist said, “I must decrease that He may increase.” Hannah was so poor in spirit that she couldn’t speak the word, but knew God could hear her heart. Roman 12:2 says “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. The mentality of man is that we are proud of our self-reliance and independence. We strive to reach a level of independence that can never be accomplished, we feel as though all I need is what I have or what I can get. We say I can do it all myself and I don’t need God
This is the “I syndrome”, but what we must understand about the I syndrome is that I is the middle letter of pride, it is also the middle letter of sin, and the middle letter of die. When we get wrapped up in the “I syndrome”, which is pride, pride is the antithesis of God and the opposite of humbleness; therefore is a sin, and sin brings forth death.
When you get wrapped up in the “I syndrome”, you get lifted up in pride, which is a sin, and then you die. Becoming poor in spirit is getting out of the “I syndrome” and developing the image and likeness of Jesus Christ, which is the meaning of the word Christian anyway.
The Bible in Luke 18:10 – 14 gives the perfect example of what is meant by poor in spirit, “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” The Pharisee was lifted up in self pride, boasting of his works, accomplishment, and status in life, the publican, who was poor in spirit, Humbled, said simply God be merciful to me a sinner. It wasn’t that the publican was poor-spirited, meaning depressed, emotional emasculated, or have low self-esteem, rather he chose to poor in spirit. He realized that without God he is nothing, while the Pharisee felt self-pride without God.
There are two very distinctive descriptions of poor and they are poor by circumstance or poor by choice. Poor by circumstance is when I have nothing superfluous, because of economic riches. I have needs in many cases, but not all my desires, because I am not able to afford them financially. To be poor by choice is I have or could have anything, but I rather deny self in order for God to be glorified. One songwriter wrote, “I rather have Jesus then silver and gold. Such scarcity ultimately leads to spiritual prosperity. Though earthly poor in the sight and minds of humanity, the blessed poor in spirit, Humbled, are rich in the eyes of God and will enjoy the kingdom of heaven. HUMBLENESS - Poor in spirit is the spiritually mature WISDOM of realizing self-inadequacy and not being lifted up in self-sufficiency.
THE BENEFITS OF HUMBLENESS
The devil desires to have control of your minds. He wants to blind the eyes of your mind that you are not able to see God and how He wants to bless you. He knows that if he can cause you to doubt God and your ability to be pleasing unto God that he will have control of your soul. He tries to capitalize on the concept that if you gain the riches of this world that that is all you need. He tries to deceive you and say see all that you have done is because of your skills and knowledge and therefore you don’t need God. However, the Bible says be not deceived God is not mocked whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? The devil wants you to ponder the questions: Why should I be humble, what kind of advantages is there in becoming humble, why should I stoop down, give up my aspirations in-order to follow Christ. We must stop and look at the many benefits of being humble. David understood the benefits of being humble so he said in Psalms 116:12 “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me.”
Thomas Kempis, the author of “Imitation of Christ”, written in the early 1300’s said “God protecteth the humble and delivereth him; the humble he loveth and comforteth; unto the humble man He inclineth Himself; unto the humble he giveth great grace; and after his humiliation He raiseth him to glory. Unto the humble He revealeth His secrets, and sweetly draweth and inviteth him unto Himself.”
God gives protection to the humble. David said in Psalm 23 “The Lord is my Shepard” A Shepard is one that protects the flock from attack of the wolf, he leads them to green pastures and by still waters. We are His sheep; sheep are the most passive and humble creatures on earth. When we humble ourselves we become His sheep and He our Shepard, He protects us from the adversary. The Bible says in Psalms 91:1 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Joseph was humble and when his brothers cast him in the pit and sold him into slavery, because he was humble God delivered him. Psalm 34:17 says: “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” You cannot be righteous without first being humble. Humbleness is primordial to any growth in Christ. Psalms 91:3 says: “Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” James 4:6 says: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Grace is God’s unmerited favor, even though you did not deserve it, because you became humbled He gave it to you anyway. David had committed adultery and murder, but because he humbled himself and asked for forgiveness, God gave him His grace. He didn’t deserve to live, he deserved to die, but because of humility he received God’s Grace. Solomon because of his humility became the wisest and richest man to ever live, the Bible says in 1Ki 1:47 “And moreover the king’s servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed.” John 15:15 says: “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” Because the disciples began to show humility, Jesus said the things He heard from the Father He made known to them, no more secrets because of humility. Because of humility we can have life and life more abundantly. Because of humility we have a peace that passeth all understanding. Because of humility we have joy unspeakable and full of glory. Because of humility we have as our inheritance the kingdom of heaven. Because of humility nothing will be impossible for us. Because of humility we are more than conquerors. Because of humility we can cast out demons, lay hands on the sick and they shall recover, why because we became humbled, submitted ourselves to God, received the Holy Ghost and after the Holy Ghost came we received power. None of this would have happened if we had not first had become humble.
ETERNAL HUMILITY
Humbleness is not something that we do to attain the title of a Christian. It is not something that we do in-order to receive the benefits that come from being humble and once we have received that, which is promised, turn and become arrogant and prideful of that we have gained. Humbleness is an eternal characteristic that will be manifested now and in glory.
Humbleness first causes a sinner to have conviction, to pick of his cross, regardless of societal status and popularity and accept the fact that without God we are nothing. It causes one to say Lord have mercy on me a sinner and not boast on the accomplishment we have done or our status in life. Humbleness cause us to decrease that man may see God in our lives and glorify Him. Humbleness causes a person to have the Barnabas attitude. Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement”. Barnabas brought Paul to the Apostles when he first came to Jerusalem, during their mission Barnabas was in charge, he saw God was working through Paul so he humbled himself and let Paul have the forefront in order that God may be glorified. Barnabas didn’t worry about prestige or position, he was satisfied with just being used by God and to be a servant unto God.
When in the moment of a twinkling of the eye we are changed, this mortal has put on immortality and this corruption has put on incorruption, we shall not cease in humbleness, but will even more humbled because we will be in the presence of God and we shall bow down crying Holy Holy Holy.
You may try to run, you may develop the mind-set that you in no form or fashion will become humble. But the Bible says “Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
THE POTRAIT OF HUMBLENSS
Jesus is our example. We are to be like Him for that is the meaning of the word Christian, to be Christ-like. When we look at the life of Jesus we see the portrait of humbleness painted on the canvas of scripture within the Bible. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29 “I am gentle and humble in heart.”
When Jesus came into the world he disrobed Himself of His glory and came in the likeness of man, the flesh, to suffer and be tempted in every way we are yet without sin. He wasn’t self-centered or stubborn, but submissive to the will of God. He humbled himself and brought himself under subjection that what needed to be accomplished would in fact be accomplished. Christ understood that His purpose was to be slain from the foundation of the world and was obedient to God; therefore was as a lamb lead before the shearer dumb never mumbling a word. He portrayed humbleness even at the point of death. Jesus’ servitude was done willingly and humbly. He never had to be prodded or pumped up to do the Will of the Father. He understood His purpose and did what He knew had to be done without reservation. He was truly humble.
Humbleness is an obedient mind-set, for obedience is better than sacrifice.
SUMMARY:
Better is it to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Prov.16: 19 In 1Pet.5: 6 we read Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. The person with Humility can never go wanting the limelight of publicity and notoriety. He has learned the lesson containing the greater values; by Humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour and life Prov.22: 4
Humbleness is the result of understanding the spirit and our relationship with or lack of relationship with God. D.L. Moody once said ‘The beginning of greatness is to be little, the increase of greatness is to be less, and the perfection of greatness is to be nothing.” This is the meaning of what John the Baptist said when he said I must decrease that He may increase.
We must understand that the deeper our characteristic of humbleness is the greater God can and will use us. Understand that the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and a contrite heart. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” When we humble ourselves, our selfish spirit becomes heavy, this is because flesh and fleshly desires require a certain level of comfort and complacency. However the Bible says in Isaiah 61:3 that God will give us “…the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Nonetheless you must swallow your pride, humble yourself, and give it to the Lord.
You must become humble and present yourself a sacrifice unto the Lord. The word Sacrifice comes from the Hebrew word “QORBAN”, it means to present. A sacrifice is a total commitment; every part of the animal was given in a sacrifice. A sacrifice is the total surrender or destruction of something valued for the sake of something else.
The word contrite comes from the Hebrew word “DAKA” and it means maimed dejected, humbled, and broken down. When we humble ourselves to God it is the breaking of this old man of flesh and sacrificing the fleshly desires for something else, joy, peace, happiness, life more abundantly, everlasting life.
When you humble yourself and present yourself to God as a broken vessel He takes the pieces and begins to put the back together, not the same old way but in a new way. He fills the emptied spaces with His Agape love and sets you apart from everyone else. You become a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a peculiar people. You begin to find favor in those you never had favor before, you begin to prosper like never before. Your situations begin to turn around and you realize that God is blessing you exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think, why, because you humbled yourself.
The Characteristic of
HUMBLENESS
Developing Christian Character
The Characteristic of
“Humility”
The Bible says in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are high above the earth so are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.” The ways of God are different from the ways of man. If you want to live you must die, if you want to go up you must get down, if you want to be strong you must become weak, if you want in you got to get out. WHY because you are operating in a spiritual realm. In the natural realm if you want to be in the in crowd you must be around the in crowd to be noticed by them, but in the spiritual God said come out from among them and be ye separate and I shall receive you unto myself. Understand there is no more of an in crowd than the crowd that will go sweeping through the city. There is no more in crowd than that crowd that dwells in the secret place of the most high. There is no more of an in crowd than those that will be in the New Jerusalem. There is no more of an in crowd than those that are in the rapture. You want to be in the in crowd come out from among them.
We must understand that in order to go up we must go down, to be exalted, we must become abased, this is the prescription for spiritual success. The Bible says in 2nd Chronicles 7:14 “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and prayer, turn from their wicked ways, and seek my face then will I hear from heaven, I will forgive their sin, and heal their land.” This is concrete proof that God works when His people humble themselves. It is the promise of the Lord and He cannot lie.
Humbleness is the foremost of all characteristics required by the Word of God, yet many people do not seek this characteristic, they feel that humbleness is a sign of weakness; however, until we are humble there can be increase.
“Humility is probably the most unpopular virtue demanded by the gospel, yet until man is humble, no good thing can come from him no matter what he may do. The Lord can do such great things for us if we are humble, and so very little for us when we are proud.” Author Unknown
We must understand that nobody has ever been anybody in the Bible unless he has put into practice humility. We must understand that humbleness is primordial to our Christian development. The 11th chapter of Hebrews, which is called the Hall of Faith, is full of people who first and foremost humbled themselves and then were able to be used by God.
Humility is not a popular topic today because people associate it with weakness or a lacking backbone. It is seen as being an indication of spinelessness, a lack of aggression and forcefulness; the direct opposite of strength and positiveness.
Humility is a grace that is to be treasured. In James 4:6 says: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Proverbs. 15:33 says: “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is Humility” Luke 14:11 says “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Humility is a love that reaches out to redeem our lives. It teaches us to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Christ. Micah 6:8. Humblenss is opposite to haughtiness and egotism. Not everyone is blessed with the characteristic of Humility. Humility is a characteristic, which permits us to do something for others without expecting something in return. It is doing a service that is done freely and willingly with Love, affection and friendship. The humble person is always mindful of his relationship with God. He seeks to please God by his every thought and action. Humility is not a weakness; it is strength, a knowledge and wisdom without equal. Humility is a love that is divine in nature and is an indication that Gods love lives in the heart.
The Bible says in Proverbs 18:12 “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is Humility”
In James 1:19-20 we are admonished to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” Therefore the person with humility considers things quietly giving due consideration to every aspect of making his decision hurriedly. I saw a sign just the other day that said “He who thinks twice before saying nothing is wise.” The humble person has the time to listen, the wisdom to speak, and the patience to act, and they forever have their tongue under control, they think twice and speak once.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HUMBLE?
The dictionary says it is having or showing a sense of lowliness or inferiority. It is not a proud or haughty attitude, it is not being arrogant, but a spirit of deference and submission. It is not slavery or weakness, but it is the free will of a person to bring under subjection himself or herself in order, that, that which needs to be accomplished, is accomplished.
Humbleness is a modest estimation of one’s self Romans 12:3 says “For I say through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” John the Baptist said I must decrease that He may increase.
Humbleness is a self-abased attitude, the Bible says in Mark 8:34 “…Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” The cross was a symbol of shame, disgrace and humiliation. The one carrying the cross had been judged by the magistrates and found guilty of a crime, they were sentenced to be crucified on a cross, this the Bible says is a curse, “curseth is he that hangeth on a tree”. So the cross represented shame, disgrace, humiliation, and a curse. For a person to willfully take up the cross was saying that they didn’t care of the shame, disgrace, humiliation, or so-called curse as long as they could do what needed to be done in-order to be like Christ. Humbleness is not searching for popularity and glamour, but is bringing yourself, your attitude, your pride, and your feelings under subjection and accomplishing that which needs to be accomplished. It is not looking for popularity in the eyes of society, but in the sight of God and that God may be Glorified.
There are several Greek words used in the New Testament for Humble and Humility.
· Tapeinos = low, lowly. James 4:6, 1st Peter 5:5
· Tapeinoo = to make low. Matthew 18:4 23:12, 2nd Corinthians 12:21
·Tapeinomau = to make oneself low Philippians 2:8, James 4:10, 1st Peter 5:6
· Tapeinophros = lowliness of mind Colossians 2:18, 2:23, Acts20:19
Simply stated humbleness means being of a low estate. It is seeing others as higher than ourselves. The Greek word “tapeinoo” means to level a mountain or hill. A humble person is one that has no hills or mountains sticking up, they are not filled with arrogance and self-pride. They do not jockey for position or brag about their achievements, they are not worried about the fanfare and recognition. If we look at the mission of John the Baptist we understand that his purpose was to preach repentance, which is the humbling of a person before God in order that they may receive salvation. The Bible says in Luke 3:5 “Every valley shall be filled up and every mountain and hill made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth.” John’s purpose was to make ready the hearts of people, to cause them to become humble and receive salvation. He understood his purpose; therefore, brought himself under subjection, he didn’t become arrogant and prideful, but understood that he had to decrease in-order that Jesus would increase. John the Baptist was poor in spirit, HUMBLED.
Humility is to be poor in spirit. Jesus said in Matthew the 5th chapter, which is called “The Beatitudes”. The word “Beatitude” comes from a Latin word called “Beatus” which is to be at a state of utmost bliss. The 1st beatitude is “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The word Blessed is derived from the Greek word “makarios” it means supremely blest and the Hebrew word “asher” which means to speak well of and is in similarity to happy and fortunate, which in English etymology goes back to hap, chance, or good luck. When spoken in the beatitudes it emphasizes the wisdom of spiritual maturity that is the result of Christ-likeness.
· Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: – Understand this is poor in spirit and not poor spirited. Poor in spirit means to be broken of self. You are not relying on yourself for anything. The apostle Paul said “I know that in me, that is in this flesh, dwelleth no good thing.” John the Baptist said, “I must decrease that He may increase.” Hannah was so poor in spirit that she couldn’t speak the word, but knew God could hear her heart. Roman 12:2 says “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. The mentality of man is that we are proud of our self-reliance and independence. We strive to reach a level of independence that can never be accomplished, we feel as though all I need is what I have or what I can get. We say I can do it all myself and I don’t need God
This is the “I syndrome”, but what we must understand about the I syndrome is that I is the middle letter of pride, it is also the middle letter of sin, and the middle letter of die. When we get wrapped up in the “I syndrome”, which is pride, pride is the antithesis of God and the opposite of humbleness; therefore is a sin, and sin brings forth death.
When you get wrapped up in the “I syndrome”, you get lifted up in pride, which is a sin, and then you die. Becoming poor in spirit is getting out of the “I syndrome” and developing the image and likeness of Jesus Christ, which is the meaning of the word Christian anyway.
The Bible in Luke 18:10 – 14 gives the perfect example of what is meant by poor in spirit, “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” The Pharisee was lifted up in self pride, boasting of his works, accomplishment, and status in life, the publican, who was poor in spirit, Humbled, said simply God be merciful to me a sinner. It wasn’t that the publican was poor-spirited, meaning depressed, emotional emasculated, or have low self-esteem, rather he chose to poor in spirit. He realized that without God he is nothing, while the Pharisee felt self-pride without God.
There are two very distinctive descriptions of poor and they are poor by circumstance or poor by choice. Poor by circumstance is when I have nothing superfluous, because of economic riches. I have needs in many cases, but not all my desires, because I am not able to afford them financially. To be poor by choice is I have or could have anything, but I rather deny self in order for God to be glorified. One songwriter wrote, “I rather have Jesus then silver and gold. Such scarcity ultimately leads to spiritual prosperity. Though earthly poor in the sight and minds of humanity, the blessed poor in spirit, Humbled, are rich in the eyes of God and will enjoy the kingdom of heaven. HUMBLENESS - Poor in spirit is the spiritually mature WISDOM of realizing self-inadequacy and not being lifted up in self-sufficiency.
THE BENEFITS OF HUMBLENESS
The devil desires to have control of your minds. He wants to blind the eyes of your mind that you are not able to see God and how He wants to bless you. He knows that if he can cause you to doubt God and your ability to be pleasing unto God that he will have control of your soul. He tries to capitalize on the concept that if you gain the riches of this world that that is all you need. He tries to deceive you and say see all that you have done is because of your skills and knowledge and therefore you don’t need God. However, the Bible says be not deceived God is not mocked whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? The devil wants you to ponder the questions: Why should I be humble, what kind of advantages is there in becoming humble, why should I stoop down, give up my aspirations in-order to follow Christ. We must stop and look at the many benefits of being humble. David understood the benefits of being humble so he said in Psalms 116:12 “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me.”
Thomas Kempis, the author of “Imitation of Christ”, written in the early 1300’s said “God protecteth the humble and delivereth him; the humble he loveth and comforteth; unto the humble man He inclineth Himself; unto the humble he giveth great grace; and after his humiliation He raiseth him to glory. Unto the humble He revealeth His secrets, and sweetly draweth and inviteth him unto Himself.”
God gives protection to the humble. David said in Psalm 23 “The Lord is my Shepard” A Shepard is one that protects the flock from attack of the wolf, he leads them to green pastures and by still waters. We are His sheep; sheep are the most passive and humble creatures on earth. When we humble ourselves we become His sheep and He our Shepard, He protects us from the adversary. The Bible says in Psalms 91:1 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Joseph was humble and when his brothers cast him in the pit and sold him into slavery, because he was humble God delivered him. Psalm 34:17 says: “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” You cannot be righteous without first being humble. Humbleness is primordial to any growth in Christ. Psalms 91:3 says: “Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” James 4:6 says: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Grace is God’s unmerited favor, even though you did not deserve it, because you became humbled He gave it to you anyway. David had committed adultery and murder, but because he humbled himself and asked for forgiveness, God gave him His grace. He didn’t deserve to live, he deserved to die, but because of humility he received God’s Grace. Solomon because of his humility became the wisest and richest man to ever live, the Bible says in 1Ki 1:47 “And moreover the king’s servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed.” John 15:15 says: “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” Because the disciples began to show humility, Jesus said the things He heard from the Father He made known to them, no more secrets because of humility. Because of humility we can have life and life more abundantly. Because of humility we have a peace that passeth all understanding. Because of humility we have joy unspeakable and full of glory. Because of humility we have as our inheritance the kingdom of heaven. Because of humility nothing will be impossible for us. Because of humility we are more than conquerors. Because of humility we can cast out demons, lay hands on the sick and they shall recover, why because we became humbled, submitted ourselves to God, received the Holy Ghost and after the Holy Ghost came we received power. None of this would have happened if we had not first had become humble.
ETERNAL HUMILITY
Humbleness is not something that we do to attain the title of a Christian. It is not something that we do in-order to receive the benefits that come from being humble and once we have received that, which is promised, turn and become arrogant and prideful of that we have gained. Humbleness is an eternal characteristic that will be manifested now and in glory.
Humbleness first causes a sinner to have conviction, to pick of his cross, regardless of societal status and popularity and accept the fact that without God we are nothing. It causes one to say Lord have mercy on me a sinner and not boast on the accomplishment we have done or our status in life. Humbleness cause us to decrease that man may see God in our lives and glorify Him. Humbleness causes a person to have the Barnabas attitude. Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement”. Barnabas brought Paul to the Apostles when he first came to Jerusalem, during their mission Barnabas was in charge, he saw God was working through Paul so he humbled himself and let Paul have the forefront in order that God may be glorified. Barnabas didn’t worry about prestige or position, he was satisfied with just being used by God and to be a servant unto God.
When in the moment of a twinkling of the eye we are changed, this mortal has put on immortality and this corruption has put on incorruption, we shall not cease in humbleness, but will even more humbled because we will be in the presence of God and we shall bow down crying Holy Holy Holy.
You may try to run, you may develop the mind-set that you in no form or fashion will become humble. But the Bible says “Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
THE POTRAIT OF HUMBLENSS
Jesus is our example. We are to be like Him for that is the meaning of the word Christian, to be Christ-like. When we look at the life of Jesus we see the portrait of humbleness painted on the canvas of scripture within the Bible. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29 “I am gentle and humble in heart.”
When Jesus came into the world he disrobed Himself of His glory and came in the likeness of man, the flesh, to suffer and be tempted in every way we are yet without sin. He wasn’t self-centered or stubborn, but submissive to the will of God. He humbled himself and brought himself under subjection that what needed to be accomplished would in fact be accomplished. Christ understood that His purpose was to be slain from the foundation of the world and was obedient to God; therefore was as a lamb lead before the shearer dumb never mumbling a word. He portrayed humbleness even at the point of death. Jesus’ servitude was done willingly and humbly. He never had to be prodded or pumped up to do the Will of the Father. He understood His purpose and did what He knew had to be done without reservation. He was truly humble.
Humbleness is an obedient mind-set, for obedience is better than sacrifice.
SUMMARY:
Better is it to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Prov.16: 19 In 1Pet.5: 6 we read Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. The person with Humility can never go wanting the limelight of publicity and notoriety. He has learned the lesson containing the greater values; by Humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour and life Prov.22: 4
Humbleness is the result of understanding the spirit and our relationship with or lack of relationship with God. D.L. Moody once said ‘The beginning of greatness is to be little, the increase of greatness is to be less, and the perfection of greatness is to be nothing.” This is the meaning of what John the Baptist said when he said I must decrease that He may increase.
We must understand that the deeper our characteristic of humbleness is the greater God can and will use us. Understand that the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and a contrite heart. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” When we humble ourselves, our selfish spirit becomes heavy, this is because flesh and fleshly desires require a certain level of comfort and complacency. However the Bible says in Isaiah 61:3 that God will give us “…the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Nonetheless you must swallow your pride, humble yourself, and give it to the Lord.
You must become humble and present yourself a sacrifice unto the Lord. The word Sacrifice comes from the Hebrew word “QORBAN”, it means to present. A sacrifice is a total commitment; every part of the animal was given in a sacrifice. A sacrifice is the total surrender or destruction of something valued for the sake of something else.
The word contrite comes from the Hebrew word “DAKA” and it means maimed dejected, humbled, and broken down. When we humble ourselves to God it is the breaking of this old man of flesh and sacrificing the fleshly desires for something else, joy, peace, happiness, life more abundantly, everlasting life.
When you humble yourself and present yourself to God as a broken vessel He takes the pieces and begins to put the back together, not the same old way but in a new way. He fills the emptied spaces with His Agape love and sets you apart from everyone else. You become a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a peculiar people. You begin to find favor in those you never had favor before, you begin to prosper like never before. Your situations begin to turn around and you realize that God is blessing you exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think, why, because you humbled yourself.
The Characteristic of
HUMBLENESS
Elder Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr
Boanerge Ministries.
Elder Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr
Boanerge Ministries.
