February 9, 2024 — Humility as a Spiritual Discipline

I think humility as a Spiritual Exercise goes along with the previous discipline – secrecy. Humility is one of the most difficult postures we can assume in life, and in our faith life. Humility requires us to be introspective to the point where we are aware and self-assured enough to say we are wrong, to allow the other to have their say, to put others first, and to submit to the will of G-d.

Humility can be described as not asserting ourselves in order to come under the authority, wisdom, and power of Jesus Christ. And it is one thing to assume a posture of humility before G-d, and another to live your life thinking that you are not better than other people. In the bible, humility or the state of being humble is a quality or a state of being. It is the opposite of aggressiveness, arrogance and boastfulness. Humility is taking the lower seat rather than taking the seat of honor (Luke 14:10). Humility means taking care of the stranger or the person who wronged you because it is the right thing to do – or in other words, humility allows you to check your ego at the door.

Many relationships are dissolved because of arrogance, aggressiveness and self-centered living. All of our relationships are to be grounded in the love of G-d – and G-d’s love for us (Agape love). This then means, as Paul says, that our love is to be patient, kind, not arrogant, rude or boastful. These are qualities of G-d’s love, and G-d wants us to love others with the same love. Yes our love will always be imperfect. But as a spiritual discipline, we can seek to focus on how we can change our self-centered tendencies, and seek to be more humble in all of our relationships.

Pastor Dave