Living Humility

 

We continue to progress through Colossians 3:12 as our Lenten journey moves forward.  We come across the value that speaks to me the most, that of humility.  Humility – having a modest view of one’s value or importance.  Many times, it seems as if humility gets confused with a sense of confidence.  Modern society has us focusing on the merit of being confident – at work, at home, in life.  Confidence and humility can actually live together quite well and support each other.  Confidence does not have to be portrayed without a sense of humility.

It is when confidence is outwardly represented at a level where one becomes arrogant that humility seems to have fallen to the wayside.  This can be seen in business, in politics, in medicine and yes, even in the church.  When arrogance overtakes confidence, humility is not seen whatsoever.  So where can we turn to be able to have a view of how confidence and humility can live together?

JESUS!  Our Lord and Savior lived his life in a realm of humility.  I cannot think of any person, dead or alive, who represents the ability to be confident and display humility greater than our Jesus.  Jesus was never confused, never doubted, and never lacked a full confidence in who He was – God’s Son!  Yet, his demeanor brought the sense that he was never too important to show humility. 

For me, Jesus’ humility shined through greatest when He washed the disciples’ feet during the Last Supper.  Jesus knew what was ahead of Him, the torture, the anguish, His death.  Instead of spending the evening with His friends from a stance of displayed confidence, He shined His love through the humility of washing their feet.  We need to remember during Jesus’ times people wore open sandals on their feet, permitting the dust and dirt of the unpaved roads to be caked on their feet.  Yet, our humble Jesus took the action of humility to display, in His last moments with these men before His death, to show them this act of humility.

In our goal to be confident on this earth, are we shirking our responsibility to exemplify humility?  As we reflect on this, are you finding there are times when we take glory for ourselves, forgetting that we are truly nothing without our Lord and Savior?  Living a life with Jesus is knowing that all we have comes from a loving and generous God.  It is not only knowing that, but sharing that, with those around us.  It is also being aware that no matter how good we may be at something, there is always room to do better, know more and be more like Jesus.  My friends, this should always be a path we strive to improve.  Humility is a true gift – one given so generously by Jesus.  May we focus our life, living in humble obedience to our Jesus.  Let us have simple faith that Jesus will continue to teach us each and every day.

Dearest Jesus, please continue to work in our lives.  May we strive to be humble and show the humility that we have in our hearts.  We know that we have nothing without You.  Help us to let others around us know that!  Amen.