“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”
C. S. Lewis“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Philippians 2:4
What’s holding you back?
Are you humble or faithless? I think many of us have come to believe a false definition of humility. We think it means self-deprecation, but it is about understanding who we are in Christ. At the BRMCWC, Eva Marie Everson said that the Christian Walk lies between two verses: I can do nothing without Christ (John 15:5) and I can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). Humility is an acting out of this understanding by giving God the glory and not thinking you are better than others. God loves everyone the same, and He wants to work through each of us to fulfill His plans. Is God calling you to a new avenue of ministry, something outside your comfort zone? Before you say, “No, Lord, I can’t do that,” read on.
What Humility is Not!
And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
(Exodus 4:10-12)
I’m guessing Moses thought he was being humble when he started listing off the reasons why he couldn’t lead the children of Israel. Yet, God believed in him, or he wouldn’t have given him the task. This weekend I went to the Southern Christian Writers Conference, and Denise George asked what it might have been like if Moses had just said, “Yes, Lord.” God was willing and able to equip Moses to speak, instead he had to make Aaron the mouthpiece for Moses.
What Humility Is!
And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine….David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.
(1 Samuel 17: 32,37)
When David heard Goliath and saw that no one would go against him, he immediately stepped forward and offered to fight him. When King Saul told him that he was too young and inexperienced to fight the giant, David responded with examples of how he had defended his sheep against attack. Then, he reminded Saul that it was God who had given him the victory, and that God would give him victory over “this Philistine”. He stepped forward because he had experienced God’s faithfulness and power, not because he was impressed with his personal abilities.
Step Forward in Faith!
Has God called you to step out in faith to do something new? If He has called you, he will equip you (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Accept the call in true humility and faith, believing God will do what He says He will do. Don’t be like Moses and then one day wonder what God could have done through you if you had only stepped forward in faith.
At the conference this weekend, I encountered a few potential opportunities that I questioned if I was capable of completing. But, I also heard the call to be brave and move forward in faith. So, this morning I sent a few emails out into the world with a prayer for God’s guidance. I have to admit that I hesitated, but I did it because the only way you can truly fail is to never try at all.
What is God calling you to do? Will you be brave and do it scared?
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I’m so glad you shared this message, Linda, and your apprehension about sending your work following the conference. It takes courage to step out in faith when we’re afraid. Your message encourages all authors (me included) to follow up on those requests for our writing. You go girl!
Wow! Such a powerful post Ms. Linda. Thank you. Your definitions and examples were right on, ma’am. I still like the definition of humility, and I’m sorry I can’t remember who to properly attribute it to, but it’s, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking more of others.” (paraphrased). Great post!