Monday, January 18, 2010

January 18, 2010

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3
I have been talking about how to develop Christ-like attitudes. The first one I commented on was unity. Unity is crucial because it allows God's Spirit to move among His people.
The second attitude that is important is humility. In yesterday's post I talked about what humility is. Today, I want to share some thoughts on how we get humility.


"If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud." - C.S. Lewis


"True humility is not an abject, groveling, self-despising spirit; it is but a right estimate of ourselves as God sees us." — Tryon Edwards


HUMILITY IS ABOUT REALITY
"Humility is the acceptance of the place appointed by God, whether it be in the front or in the rear."

“We get our moral bearings by looking at God. We must begin with God. We are right when, and only when, we stand in a right position relative to God, and we are wrong so far and so long as we stand in any other position.” — A. W. Tozer


James Simpson was a great scientist. Someone asked him, “What is the greatest discovery you ever made?” His humble answer was, “My greatest discovery came when I learned that I was a sinner and that Jesus Christ had become my Savior!”


"The higher a man is in grace, the lower he will be in his own esteem."

"The right manner of growth is to grow less in one’s own eyes." - Thomas Watson
Humility is the result of simply understanding who you really are. You are who God says you are. You are His child. You are a sinner by nature and He sent His Son to provide your salvation. By identifying with His atoning sacrifice you can be regenerated and redeemed.
Not only has God saved you, but He has invested gifts and talents in you so you can serve Him and build His Kingdom.
Until you understand and accept those fundamental spiritual realities, you will never have a real view of Who God is and Who you are in Him.
Jesus said, "Apart from me, you can do nothing."

Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Both of those statements reflect humility because they are based on a true understanding of who we are in Christ. This verse tells you not to look at yourself with vanity.

HUMILITY IS ABOUT RELATIONSHIP

Once you have a realistic understanding of Who God is and who you are in relationship to Him, then you must adjust your relationships accordingly. You then guide your relationships with others based on your relationship with God.
This Scripture verse instructs you to "think of others more highly than yourself". Your consideration of the needs and best interests of others should guide your thoughts and actions. That is humility.
HUMILITY IS ABOUT RIGHTS

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26
What was Jesus talking about here?
He is telling us what humility looks like to Him? From Jesus' perspective is that humility means you volunteer to give up your rights and grab your responsibility.
Pride is demanding your rights while defaulting on your responsibilities. Pride is feeling entitled to what God has promised without measuring up to His conditions.
At FredWes, we require what I call the "Seven-Up Challenge" of those who would join our church – Give Up Your Rights, Pay Up Your Tithe, Pick Up Your Ministry, Show To Up , Listen Up God, Cheer Up Your Brothers & Back Up Your Leaders.
Why do we do that? Because we want to create a climate where unity and humility can flourish and the Spirit of God can flow!
Unity is essential to a church. Humility is necessary for unity to exist.
How do you get humble?
Be real about your prideful spirit. Understand He is God and you are not. Have a realistic view of who you are in Him.
Humbled yourself to God and let humility guide all your relationships with others.
Focus on your responsibilities to God and others and surrender your rights in order to serve.
Where unity and humility rule God reigns!