Andrew Murray, preacher during the late 1800s and early 1900s, once commented on the characteristic of humility, “The humble man feels no jealousy or envy. He can praise God when others are preferred and blessed before him. He can bear to hear others praised while he is forgotten because…he has received the Spirit of Jesus, who pleased not Himself, and who sought not His own honor. Therefore, in putting on the Lord Jesus Christ he has put on the heart of compassion, kindness, meekness, longsuffering, and humility.”
Humility is a trait flaunted by many, but possessed by few. It is commented on and preached about, yet there is perhaps no greater example of humility than Christ Himself. And His humility was clearly shown through His birth.
The King of kings, Lord of lords, Prince of Peace, Creator of the world, Sustainer of all life, and Saviour of men’s souls was not born in a regal palace. He was not wrapped in the finest of linens. He was not cradled in the softest of beds. He was born in a stable, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a feeding trough.— the Son of God deserved more than an obscure birth in a barn.
Christ’s birth is a perfect example of humility. While He deserved the best, He chose the least. His birth was indicative of His entire earthly life-deserving of royalty, yet accepting obscurity. Jesus didn’t demand people worship Him. He didn’t command them to honor Him, their Creator. He walked in humility and served others.
Too often our society focuses on titles, positions, and places. Certain people are revered more than others. But the only position we should see is our position in Christ-we are helpless sinners only saved by God’s grace. No one person is better than another; we are all in need of a Saviour.
The Bible is full of verses that point Christians toward living a humble life. Humility is a fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Meekness, or humility, is an attribute of a godly life.
How is humility seen in one’s life? How can you know if someone is humble? Simply look to Jesus’ life for the answer. Christ made a priority of serving others while on earth. He came to seek and to save, and went about doing good and performing miracles, yet He still took time to serve others.
We all have schedules to keep, to-do lists to complete, and deadlines to meet; yet even in the midst of our busyness, God wants us to serve others through humility. He wants us to see others as our equals and help them with their needs.
Can those who know you say you are a person of humility? Would others point to some act of humility, service, or preference of others that you have done recently? Even Jesus’ birth showed humility. Make displaying humility a priority today. Don’t help others for mere praise or award; help them out of a love for Christ and a love for others. Let your actions be characterized by a spirit of humility each day.(From “Daily in the Word”)
