Humility Part 1
When I was in counseling for a deep depression I experienced some years ago, my counselor had me repeat a phrase that seems so obvious, yet it is amazing how its truth was so elusive to me at the time. That phrase was this – “God is God, and I am not.”
Now I was not delusional to the point that I believed I could speak and part the Kennebec River, but I did take on responsibilities that only belong to God. For instance, I tried to change my wife to my liking, as if I had the ability to know her heart and what she should be like. I got angry when things did not go my way as if my will should be done on earth instead of God’s.
These attitudes and others betrayed a deep pride inside of me that God abhorred and was determined to eliminate from my life. As the radio preacher Dr. John DeBrine used to say about people like me “Move over God, there are now two of us.”
Now I do not believe that I have become an expert on humility. I am learning some things, however, from Andrew Murray’s book, “Humility,” that I would like to share with you. This is what he says…
“Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and above is trouble.” (Andrew Murray, “Humility,” back cover).
Oh, to be at rest when I am criticized or maligned, to refrain from lashing out when I am rebuked! Oh, to be at peace when slandered or slighted, to be calm in the face of unrighteous anger and accusations directed at me! I believe it is fair to state that if this is not my attitude, I have room to grow in humility.
Where do we find such an attitude when being mistreated or overlooked? Our example is Christ. Our empowerment is the Holy Spirit in us. Next week we will examine how Jesus’ example can lead us to a deeper humility. It is a worthwhile goal to pursue. Are we willing to put aside our pride to pursue it? I hope so.