“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (Ps 25:9).
We may relate “being humble” to deprecating ourselves, thereby considering ourselves of no value, thinking this will be pleasing to God. But we are God’s creation and He loves us just as we are!
No, I’m NOT suggesting we shouldn’t be humble; rather, we need to better understand what humble (humility) means.
Some history is helpful here. The root word for humble is closely related to “umble(s)” an old English term for the least valued, least tasty, toughest parts of an animal. These pieces of meat were given to the least of society to be made into umble pie (the choicest parts of meat were given to the lords and upper society). That’s where the expression, “eating humble pie” came from, clearly developing a negative, distasteful, unpleasant connotation to the word humble.
The word humility is derived from the Latin word “humus,” meaning earth, soil. In comparison to the sun and sky, it is the lowest place, the ground, walked on, tread upon. Another negative connotation.
But “humus” also means “fertile ground,” capable of producing abundant vegetation and crops, capable of being fruitful and productive. The farmer and the gardener treasure the ground and work it diligently because the more fertile the soil, the higher the yield and quality of the crops.
That is a more encouraging concept. Isn’t the idea of becoming fertile ground, ready to receive and sprout seeds of Christian faith, love, and even all the fruits of obedience, an appealing thought?
Christian humility is first and foremost, submitting to God, depending on God, waiting for God. It is recognizing the virtues and talents that others possess. It is placing the needs of others ahead of our own.
Why? To become more fertile, more helpful, better equipped to serve God and others. (Phil 2: 3-8)
“[God] gives grace to the humble” (Prov 3:34). “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Pe 5:5-6). “Seek righteousness, seek humility” (Zeph 2: 3).
Lord God, we lower ourselves before You on bended knee. We often think more highly of ourselves than we ought. With repentant hearts, we ask for Your forgiveness. Lord, we desire to be obedient to Your Word and ask that You would help us to not despise humility; but to instead seek this virtue, honoring You above all else and better serving Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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