“Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.”
– Proverbs 3:34
Humility is no more popular today than it was thousands of years ago. The Romans considered it weakness and it would seem that many today agree, both Christians and non-Christians alike. Humility has never been popular with political leaders and far too many religious leaders have been unfamiliar with it throughout the ages. And yet…
It’s the humble that God favors. It’s those aware of their own weaknesses, defects, limitations, and propensity for sin He blesses. It’s those aware that they need a Savior who find one in Jesus Christ. It’s those who realize they’re incapable of doing great things who open themselves for God to do great things through them by the power of His Spirit. It’s those who recognize their deep-seated temptations who finish the race in Spirit-filled purity.
For those Christians whose pride is easily wounded, who cannot stand to show weakness, or who rise quickly to their own defense, consider the Jesus we’re commanded to follow. Though He was the eternal Son of God, Jesus submitted to arrest, humiliation, abuse, injustice, torture, and brutal execution. The way of the cross is the way of humiliation. It was Christ’s humility in going to the cross that defeated Satan.
As followers of Jesus, it won’t be our pride or our strength that reaches those who don’t know Christ. It will be our Christ-like humility.