Historical Posts

Humble Living

Thanks to Johnny O. Trail from the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ for the content of this post.

God’s children need to be humble and maintain humility in all of life’s situations, having enough humility to speak with all about Christ and His sacrifice.

Humble is defined as “not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive.”

One problem that many people in our world have today is the inability to be humble and express humility. People are so self-centered that they are unable to acknowledge that their blessings originated from a source greater than themselves. God’s holy writ warns against pride and suggests the exercise of humility in all of life’s circumstances.

Haughty pride is a disgrace in the sight of God. Proverbs 6:16-19 “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” The phrase “proud look” is translated “haughty eyes” in the ESV. One with haughty eyes is not humble. He is a person who looks upon others in a blatantly and disdainfully proud manner.

From this, we learn that one who has a proud look is guilty of looking down upon others as if he is superior to or better than other people. As a matter of fact we are to condescend to those of low estate. Romans 12:16 says, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” That is, we are to humble ourselves in such a manner as to be intellectually available to all those who pass over our pathway. We are forbidden to be respecter of persons based upon distinguishing worldly characteristics (Acts 10:34).

In some situations, human pride has even determined that God is not important or even thankworthy for the accomplishments that we achieve in our lives. James 4:6 says, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” God thwarts the purposes of those who are proud, but He gives unmerited favor to those who express humility and are humble. The proud will be lost because they are unable to admit their shortcomings and ask for God’s help.

If we would be great in the kingdom of God, we are expected to humble ourselves in the same manner as a small child. Matthew 18:1-4 says, “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” One who is truly converted will obediently follow God in complete humility.

In light of the aforementioned passage and comments, it is feared that there are some who are not truly converted to Christ. There is a distinct difference between one who has merely been baptized and who has been totally and completely converted to New Testament Christianity. This is not to imply that baptism is not essential for salvation (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16 et al). It is, however, a statement about the importance transforming and becoming the kind of person God desires.

Conversely, God will exalt the humble. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” The humble person acknowledges God as the source of all that he possesses, all that he has accomplished, and all he will ever be. The humble person knows that all things are done in vain without the help or blessings of God.

The humble person understands the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and the horrific price of their sins. It is humbling to consider that the Creator of the universe would die for our sins. Romans 5:6-8 says, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” It is incredible to consider that the sinless, perfect Son of God would offer Himself for our transgressions!

In our age, people seem proud of behaviors that are shameful to their core. In one instance, the church at Corinth was proud of the incestuous relationship that was happening in their congregation. 1 Corinthians 5:2 says, “And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” Sin is something that the people of God should never be pleased about having in their midst.

Instead of being ashamed, worldly people in our generation proudly parade and exhibit their depravity. Gay pride parades, same-sex marriage, and immorality openly displayed underscore this point. By engaging in such activities, people seek to gain acceptance and add legitimacy to their wicked choices. Isaiah 3:9 says, “For the look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves.” In previous decades, homosexuals were “in the closet,” but this is not the case any longer. Immoral and proud of it is the common mantra of our age.

The humble person is ashamed of his sins and asks God for His forgiveness. David displayed great shame in light of his transgressions. Psalm 51:1-3 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.” David understood how horrendous his sins were in the sight of a holy and just God. We should be just as sensitive.

God’s children need to be humble and maintain humility in all of life’s situations. We should have enough humility to speak with any person about Christ and His atoning sacrifice. Any consideration of Christ should humble any person who wishes to come into His presence.

Johnny O. Trail preaches at the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ
2699 Old Clarksville Pike
Ashland City, TN 37015

615-746-8624