I was just thinking about humility, being humble, and, the many things that could be corrected in this state of existence, one of which is, our tongues might be more bridled! You know, by now, that our tongues are the quickest way to sin; they spew forth, often before we are finished thinking, sometimes with damaging results! IF we were humbled to the point of being as CHRIST, our tongues might be more checked! I pray every single day, twice a day, for *GOD* to HELP me to use my mind, before my mouth, and, my reactions, but you know, that ole' serpent is ever near, and, we ARE easily ensnared when it comes to speaking before thinking...
Let us begin to study humility in the sense that *GOD* Commands of us! Right now, I can provide 200 verses on humility, and, 117 on humbling ourselves before *GOD*, and, others! What is this process, and, why is it so imperative???
Let us begin to study humility in the sense that *GOD* Commands of us! Right now, I can provide 200 verses on humility, and, 117 on humbling ourselves before *GOD*, and, others! What is this process, and, why is it so imperative???
From Wikipedia: Humility is defined as, "A quality by which a person considering his own defects has a humble opinion of himself and willingly submits himself to God and to others for God's sake." St. Bernard defines it as, "A virtue by which a man knowing himself as he truly is, abases himself. Jesus Christ is the ultimate definition of Humility."
Submitting to God and legitimate authority
Recognizing virtues and talents that others possess, particularly those that surpass one's own, and giving due honor and, when required, obedience
Recognizing the limits of one's talents, ability, or authority; and, not reaching for what is beyond one's grasp
As illustrated in the person of Moses, who leads the nation of Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt and to the “Promised Land”, humility is a sign of Godly strength and purpose, not weakness. Of this great leader, the Bible states, “(For Moses was a man exceeding meek above all men that dwelt upon earth)" (Numbers 12:3).
The vices opposed to humility are: (A) pride (by reason or defect). (B) a too great obsequiousness or abjection of oneself; this would be considered an excess of humility,and could easily be derogatory to one's office or holy character; or it might serve only to pamper pride in others, by unworthy flattery, which would occasion their sins of tyranny, arbitrariness, and arrogance. The virtue of humility may not be practiced in any external way that would occasion vices in others.
Amongst the benefits of humility described in the Bible are honor, wisdom, eternal life, unity, rewards in heaven and others. In the Bible, an exhortation to humility is found in Philippians 2:1-17.
Also in 1Peter 2:23, concerning Jesus Christ's behavior in general and submission to unjust torture and execution in particular: "Who, when he was reviled, did not revile: when he suffered, he threatened not: but delivered himself to him that judged him justly."
Humility is KNOWING that we are NOTHING without *GOD*; HE wants us to place TOTAL RELIANCE upon HIM!!!
FIRST, AND, FOREMOST, ALL GLORY GOES TO *GOD*, for HE IS GLORY, and, NOTHING comes about, save for what HE brings forth!!!
Humility opens UP to a TRUE relationship with *GOD*/CHRIST, placing HIM as our SOVEREIGN KING, ABOVE ALL else, and, aids us, greatly, in understanding HIS WILL, HIS WAYS, and, what is to come! In a humbled state, we are void of the need for vainglory, because, we KNOW our glory IS to come! When we are in opposition to humility, we are contained in our egocentricity, seeking what the world's instant gratifications, and then, are removed more, and, more from our LORD!!!
We are to TRUST HIM, as the PRINCIPLE PROVISION in our lives, KNOWING that HIS LOVE for us is FAITHFUL, POWERFUL, and, ALL-INCLUSIVE! Humility ALLOWS us to BE cared for by HIM, in ALL regards, KNOWING that HIS WILL SHALL BE DONE, whether it fits our ideals, or not! We LOVE HIM enough to KNOW HE IS MASTER OVER ALL in CREATION, and, in that LOVE, we aim to please HIM, because HE IS WORTHY, and, it is, ULTIMATELY, beneficial to do so; not for carnality, but, for spirit, and, eternal BLESSEDNESS!!!
This is going to take several posts, so, for now, let us contemplate the basics, and, move on:)))
May the LOVE of *GOD* BE that which you seek OVER all else, and, may HIS LOVE FILL you, that it overflows into the world, therefore, BLESSING ALL in your path! PRAISE HIS HOLY name, and, WORSHIP HIM with ALL your might!!!
REV. LWINSOR © 2012
BIBLICAL, and/or, other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS
No comments:
Post a Comment