A Call to Humility

It’s interesting that discipline is something that no one really likes, yet everyone admires.

Really, we admire the fruit of the discipline far more than the act of the discipline that brought it about.

The work of discipline is what is done away from the spotlight, and yet, without, nothing on the other side of the proverbial curtain would be worth much.

Great athletic achievement, artistic expressions, musical excellence, etc. are all the fruit of a disciplined life at some point. Hours of practice, study, sacrifice, focused attention…

And though we see the fruit of it and applaud the work, we must realize that the star performer before us didn’t get that way by only being that way on stage, during the game, at the premier...right?

It’s a life of preparation and the discipline of mind and body that has brought about this great result.

And so for us, looking at spiritual things...when we see a person whose spiritual life we admire...the same is true. A life of discipline and the pursuit of godliness are what bring about the anointing and spiritual fruit that we all desire.

Not that any of us would pursue spiritual growth for the approval or admiration of others...our disciplines are for an audience of one...amen?

Let me begin by saying that I believe that humility is FOR everyone. Some would consider humility more of a character trait or virtue and not a discipline.

You’re not getting off the hook that easy. It is a discipline, a goal...something we must take responsibility for and pursue.

Granted it’s not popular in today’s culture. We put far more value on strength, power, drive...all good things, but also ingredients for pride and ultimately destruction, if not balanced with humility.

A humility that is born in us from a full appreciation for the sacrifice that Christ made for me.

A real understanding that everything I have, everything I am that is good is because of Christ.

Listen the more we understand what He did for us, the less room we have for pride. The more we see how Christ humbled himself for us, the more willing we become to serve others. Amen?!...

But we have to acknowledge that we are selfish people by
nature. And we need to remove that selfish attitude. How?

Again by realizing who you are in Christ, what he has done for you and promises to do for you...you don’t have to be selfish.

A heart of gratitude will lead to a humble, others-focused life.

And if we genuinely believe that God is for us and cares for us...we don’t have to worry about serving our own interests.

Then we can afford to focus our attention on meeting the needs of others and being a blessing to others because we have every confidence that Father God will spare nothing of His infinite resources to meet our needs and bless us.

Even as we struggle with the anxiety of feeling like if we don’t look out for ourselves, no one will...He says, “cast your cares on me”. Stay humble and trusting of my love.

Humility is a certainly a discipline...you can do it!