Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life - Proverbs 22:4

“Humility” is a word that so many people do not care to understand its meaning. The first thing your outlook displays to the outside world is either an air of humility or that of pride. That is quite so because some cannot possibly hide their feelings and attitude. The direct opposite of humility is pride, and you get to understand the meaning of humility better when you understand clearly what pride means. To be proud is to praise one’s self, have a very high estimation of one’s abilities, or status and to talk about it carelessly or jealously protects same, in a manner that underestimates the potentials or statuses of others. Proverbs 27:2 says, “ Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips”. Further to this, Romans 12:3 says you should “speak of yourselves with sober judgment” Therefore beloved, stop praising yourself, let another see your abilities and praise you instead. In all that you are, give glory to God, for it’s by His mercy and power alone that you are what you are this day. It’s simply by the grace of God. Humility on the other hand is a virtue that enables us to talk less about ourselves with sober judgment and to be silent about our potentials and status. When we are silent about ourselves, God blows the trumpet and publicizes us. Jesus says in Luke 14:11, “for all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Beloved in Christ, our scripture for today reminds us about the need to be humble. It says that when we are genuinely humble, it shows we fear God, and in return, God blesses us with riches, honor and life.

The greatest example of humility was given and taught by the master himself. The master demonstrated the greatest humility when he willingly submitted himself to die for our sake. He had the power to exit from suffering, yet he bore all the shame, afflictions and humiliation for our sake. The master says we must be humble in life in order to become great and successful. His disciples came to him and asked him who was the greatest in the kingdom? In response, Jesus brought a little child into their midst and says to them, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”- Matthew 18:3-4. In the little child example, Jesus basically taught His disciple that in order to be great they must be humble. You must have a lowly mentality, not one filled with pride. Starting from today, reposition yourself on the path of honor and success by adopting a humble approach to life. Talk about yourself with sober judgment. Come down from your high status and serve others just like Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. Success will begin to trail your path when you adopt a shift in your mental disposition from; “if not for me” to “we thank God” Stop saying, “my status is too high for these things”. Rather say, “To God be the glory”. Remember, nothing happens by your power; it’s all by His grace, therefore, give glory to Him. Remember, Satan got kicked out from heaven because of his pride. His beauty got into his head and he lost all sense of humility. (See Isaiah 14: 12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-27). Therefore, do not lose your greatness to pride. Humility is the key to success.