This topic is honestly one of those Continuous Education ones. I really believe that. Can anyone honestly say at any point that:
"I am at the highest attainable level of humility right now...Thank you very please."
No, I don't think so. But if anyone has said such, let us know how. Pray do tell. I can perhaps understand one acknowledging that they are making conscious steps at improving in the area of humility.
A verse comes to mind; two in fact, when I think of this topic:
Humility comes before honour.
Humility is the fear of the Lord.
With the first verse, I don't think that chasing honor must be the drive for exercising humility. Rather aim at exhibiting unpretentious humility and let honor follow naturally. Whether immediately or deferred.
Not the Hollywood Grammy Awards thank you speech humility though. Where you write a speech; in case you receive the award, yet tell everyone
This was so unexpected.
while pulling out the speech from one of your pockets. That moment is always funny in its pretentiousness or faithfulness.
The second verse is one I gather refers to every time humility. Day by day and a consistent state of being.
How?
Well if one is aware of God, it is a daily awareness, acknowledging and consulting God. That is the fear of the Lord, showing a reverence towards God.
It is an admission of the existence of a Creator who is higher in power, influence, thoughts and ways. Much more than self. This admission alone is humility and shows in how one carries themselves and treats others.
An insightful verse says:
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16
So if one has no self seeking in their interactions, they have order and goodness in those interactions.
So a merger of the two humility verses leads to a step wise order where
Fear God ➡️ Humility ➡️ Honor
One can almost say glory becomes the natural next step, after honor. This glory can also be intepreted as celebrations or testimonies of achievement or promotion. A joyful but not boastful moment.
Are celebrations anti-humility in any way?
I don't know. What I have learned is that:
If one is to glory, let them glory in the Lord - 2 Corinthians 10:17 💁♀️
If one consistently fears God and humbles themselves before God, by the time honor comes, that person does according to God's word and Spirit.
It is in their nature to commit (their) works to God; so (their) thoughts will be established. - [SIC Pro 16:3].
The drive of such a God fearing person is never honour or promotion. It is always pleasing and serving God.
It is a way of life this thing.
There is no harm in celebrating joyous and glorious moments I presume. So let the honored glory in the Lord God Almighty. 💃
Humility is exhibited and also perceived. Most times it gets concocted in translation. This is clearly dependent on the exhibitor's and perceiver's hearts and points of reference. Things that are hidden and personal between self and God.
Thank the Lord!
Imagine if hearts were out for all to see? Literally! I doubt that any would be able to handle that level of transparency, in reality. 🙆♀️🤦♀️. No ways...
Some people perceive humility as plain stupidity, calling for trampling or pushing over of the humble. That is prideful and short sightedness. It is also a testimony of self exaltation and the absence of the fear of God.
It is also possible to master showcasing typical humility attributes. Usually this is a means to an end where selfish ambition or survial mode are drivers. This is deception under certain circumstances. Hardly sustainable. The decider again becomes the intention of the heart; which is fully visible to a deciding God.
It is written:
All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. - Proverbs 16:2
So it stands to reason that one should honestly aim for a humility in the sight of God. Might as well since God is the judge and rewarder. God's perspective is what matters. Not that of man.
Not so long ago I came across a scripture that is quite something:
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires.
So, pay no mind to being misunderstood or ridiculed when speaking with the fear of God in mind. It is usually intentional.
Those of God will perceive and receive you. Those with whom you are equally yoked and are members of the body of Christ.
The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
Let the all-seeing God reveal your honor-worthy humility to those He intends using in honouring or lifting you up. He is more than able. 💁♀️
Let those who choose to dismiss or misinterpret your humility be. The Lord sees and maybe they are not the assigned channels for your honour. Maybe they are Hamman and you, Mordecai. The Lord's ways are higher.
Surely they will witness the testimony of God when it is revealed. Your portion as a child of God is thus:
Fear God > Humility > Honor > Glory
That's all.
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.
God will bring all else into conformity according to His will and purpose. Not you. Not anyone else. Just God in all His majesty.
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