Humility

Anyone who reminds you of their humility has missed the point. The way I see it, there are two types of people in the world: the strong and the weak. For the strong, humility is often elusive. Many who are naturally strong do want humility, but struggle with the idea that lowliness accompanies it.

The other type of person, the weak, has the tendency to think humility comes rather instinctively. And yet, it is truly elusive for them too. Struggling with a poor self image and self doubt, instinctively assuming others are always better, does not constitute true humility either. Humility isn't a natural human trait. It is supernatural and can only be born from the grace of God.

Humility, as I am seeking to understand it, is strength clothed in frailty. It knows that power here on earth is irrelevant and true Kingdom power (that is, God's sovereignty) is what counts. Kingdom power results from God's authority in our lives, which we haven't earned but received as a gift of His grace. There is nothing weak about humility, which is Christ's strength, clothed in our frailty (jars of clay). 

Its strength rests in God's power structure, knowing He is ultimately in control of our reputation. This all sounds very religious, in the manmade sense of the word.  Its understanding of humility is born of obligation which attempts to regulate and prove virtues through outward appearances. Predictable religion tries to control humility.It judges people's reactions, challenging defensively any who seem to stray. And yet the legalistic connoisseur barely even practices humility in the pew on Sunday--especially if you mistakenly sit in their spot!

It seems a person exuding true humility, when faced with another's downfall, is painfully reminded of the log in their own eye. They come face to face with their own unworthiness in comparison with Christ. Our dull perceptions of our own sin drives God to frustration. No wonder he so harshly judges the unmerciful servant for his lack of forgiveness towards a small debtor.

As I mentioned before, I would like to think true humility wisely displays its power in the mundane. I remember my husband lovingly rushing to open a door for me when a man selfishly let it slam in my face--and yes, the man saw me standing there (maybe he wanted to get seated first?). My husband's chivalry was laced with a humble grace that made me feel so cherished and resulted in my heightened awareness of how much God loves me. I had a compelling desire to reciprocate humility. His genuine act renewed my awareness of God's graciousness. He also reminded me that he gifted me with a man who regularly displays humble strength.

Perhaps that is the best symptom of true humility: it results in the burgeoning of true transformation in the lives of those who have experienced love firsthand, glorifying God. Someone who feels tenderness desires to reproduce it. Someone who encounters grace feels compelled to pay it forward. I am personally praying that God will help me to increase true humility that inspires and reproduces glory to Him!

Songs of Deliverance

I was reading a beautiful verse to my friend yesterday, and even as the words hung in the air, I heard God's voice clearly speaking to my spirit. The verse, from Zephaniah 3:18, encourages us, saying, "He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

God woos us with his tenderness--which is born from his delight. This delight is a result of his Joy in seeing his creation choose his way over their own. We can sense God's tenderness intensely, once we have accepted and learned from His rebuke.

No one likes being told they are wrong, even when they know it is true. Saying we are sorry and changing accordingly (repenting) is even harder. But God's grace is so much more delicious once we appreciate the cavernous depth of our need. Rebuke hurts, but is tolerable when we bear in mind it is driven by pure love and high expectations. And the Holy Spirit wouldn't convict unless he truly believed we were worthy and capable of better. God created us, so don't you think he knows what we are capable of? This brings me to my next thought, which is God's glorious way out.

When God sings over us, He is strengthening us. His songs are weapons He uses against the enemy. He isn't just singing to sound nice, but to deliver us. When God speaks, things happen. He spoke the world into being. If that is what happens when he talks, imagine what he accomplishes when he sings! He sings over us songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 declares, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance".

When rebuke comes, remember the pain from your mistake and learn from it. Then, change your reactions to the temptations that sieze you the next time they come. When you are tempted, ask God to deliver you, with a song. And just imagine God's delight as he sings you a tender lullaby, rejoicing over your obedience!