Humility

One of the greatest hallmarks of humility was manifest in a man who was the last person on earth one would expect to embrace it.

Humility sadly seems to be as rare as a hummingbird in winter. Perhaps because it is impossible to fake for long. The real thing is more attractive than a flawless diamond, and of greater exquisite beauty when embedded in a human being than are the depths of the Grand Canyon or the magnificent heights of Everest. The presence of humility warms the heart of a cold soul, melts the protective walls of disillusionment, resurrects hope to breathe and live again, and offers safe acceptance to one hiding in rejection and shame.

That’s because humility sees people as unique, individual, and of inestimable value. People of every tribe, nation, faith, and worldview – which does not imply agreement.

Jesus was the man, and humility was as natural to him as breathing. Creator, Son of God, King of kings, Lord of all, relinquishing every privilege to be born, live, and suffer among us. That’s what humility does; places others first, washes feet and polishes boots rather than treading on toes. It empathizes and suffers when another is deprived or hurt. Humility never looks the other way, always cares, and is so generous it doesn’t even know the meaning of sacrifice. Nothing is ever too much trouble – if another can be blessed, helped; or even forgiven.

Humility never forces, imposes, or overrides personal choice or free will. Remember the Romans arresting Jesus in Gethsemane before his mock trial and brutally unjust crucifixion?

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him. At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:50-54)

Humility cannot be reflected in a mirror. If you’re wanting to discern humility in yourself you have to ask others what they see, discern, and experience when they are with you. Am I humble? What do I need to learn and be aware of? How do you experience me? And when they tell me, do I rise up, defend myself, explain and rationalize? Or can I receive, consider, and hear? Humility listens long and deep, more important to grow and learn than to have the upper hand, the best response, or to never admit wrongdoing. Sincerely believing can be misguided.

The soil in which humility thrives is fertile with ingredients, subtle, and rich in nutrients. Self-awareness, truth, reflection, empathy, listening, curiosity, unconditional love, and a deep desire to see another thrive.

When mining for gold, shining flecks of dust encourage the miner to persevere. Humility is the gold dust indicating the presence of Jesus and the love of His Father. It authenticates the truth and reality of God among us, and within us. Humility in our attitudes and actions gives substance to our words.

When Jesus met the woman at the well, full of shame, many husbands, rejected and judged, he related in a manner that opened her up to non-judgmental hope the likes of which she had never experienced. James and John had anger issues, Peter failed to keep promises, Mary was a prostitute, Matthew was a cheat and tax collector, Saul/Paul was a murderer and religious zealot, the list is endless. The humility of Jesus never condemned, was always patient, and refused to give up on any of them. It was not religion that caused these imperfect people to open their hearts to Jesus, it was his disarming affection and humility. No airs and graces, no accusation or attitude, no need to agree or approve in order to accept and embrace the person before him.

Humility may well be abused, ignored, scoffed at, or even crucified, But the response changes nothing. Humility offers love before there is agreement, or the hint of change.

Imagine that! The reason many avoid church, stay away from God, and feel awkward with Christians, is the sense of judgement, never being good enough, and the hypocrisy often glaringly visible in those who profess faith. The same reason many Christians stay away. Most point fingers, refuse to transparently share their struggles, and quote Scripture rather than walk alongside in a manner that loves disarmingly and unconditionally. Humility recognizes no distinction of us and them. Humility never shuns, ignores, or withholds.

Humility does not pretend, masquerade, or manipulate. It is willing to share imperfection, admit failure, and even acknowledge ongoing struggles. Humility realizes that in ourselves we are never worthy, or enough, but with God’s grace and forgiveness, we have hope. Without losing sight of that truth we have a revelation to share. Such a contrast to those who profess faith and then judge, condemn, and vilify one who has not yet seen ‘the light’.

The bottom line. None of us would have any hope if Jesus had not loved us first, before we were even aware of Him. His Cross provided a bridge of sacrifice that allowed us to be forgiven and reconciled to God, the Father, long before we even realized we needed saving. Yet, once we have responded, we easily regress into withholding his grace and love from others. Saul/Paul never forgot God’s grace.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
(Philippians 2:3)

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
(Ephesians 4:2)

“I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle.”
(1 Corinthians 15:9)

Humility never forgets. Much like those broken Japanese vases that are mended and allow the light to shine through the cracks (Kintsugi), humility recognizes that when I share my struggles God is honored and others are encouraged.

Humility is never weak, leans into truth no matter the cost, and is willing to suffer rather than acquiesce to popular/political opinions. It demands courage, conviction, and deep roots planted in the love of God in order to endure the harsh backlash of those who seek another path.

In a world where there is so much vitriol, judgement, force, and mud-slinging, perhaps we need reminding of this virtue, humility. A fruit like no other, indicating the presence and love of God revealed through Jesus.

That’s a reason why Amazing Grace is so beloved as a song by those who believe and even those on the fringes.