True Humility

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

 
 
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me,” (Acts 20:24)
How is that for a depressing statement?  Hold on, because it is really the most glorious statement for a Christian.  Prior to this statement Paul said… “I served the Lord with great humility…” (Acts 20:19).  Humility is marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
As Christians we often talk about being humble, we describe others as humble and we are satisfied with humble actions to certify us as humble.  Humility lies deeper within than what we do on the surface or in action.  Are you humble of heart; is your attitude within humble?  In Matthew 11:29 Jesus tells us that He is “humble of heart.”   The writer of Proverbs describes this attitude versus action when he writes “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21: 2)  God points out throughout scripture that those who exalt themselves He will humble (Isaiah 26:5, Proverbs 18:12).
Paul’s statement then should be the focus of our daily walk: more of Him and less of me.  When we begin to live the heart of humility above the show of humility God brings abundant blessings into our life. If we exalt self, externally or internally, He will humble.  If we humble ourselves like Christ humbled Himself, He will exalt (Matthew 23:12).
The next time you contemplate doing something that others would view as a humble act, question yourself: is it about you or Christ?  God will not tolerate self-proclaimed humility – but He will lift up those who are humble of heart like Christ (1 Peter 5:5-6).  As Christians, if we want growth and maturity, we need to develop His heart attitude.  By doing so God will guide (Psalm 25:9), honor (Proverbs. 15:33), bestow wisdom and understanding (James 3:13), and give unending grace (James 4:5-7).
Can you say with Paul “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me ~ the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
 Lynne Jahns
Dr. Lynne Jahns is the Director of Barbara’s Place, residential addiction recovery for women at America’s Keswick. She is married to Bill Jahns, a Colony grad and Director of Housekeeping.
Today’s devotional is taken from Real Victory for Real Life, Volume 1. To order your copy, call 1-800-453-7942.