“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4
July 18, 2023
A standing bit of humor was an imagined book entitled, My humility and how I attained it with life size pictures. Of course, such a thought reeks with vanity and is the opposite of humility. We are braced by the fact that “the character trait of humility is the second-most frequently taught trait in the New Testament, second only to love” (The Blessing of Humility, Jerry Bridges).
The biblical record is clear. Greatness in the kingdom of heaven is predicated upon humbling ourselves. On the heels of an argument among Jesus’ three disciples, on the Mount of Transfiguration of all places, about who has the highest rank in the Messianic kingdom, Jesus declared that we must humble ourselves like a trusting child. Thomas Brooks, the Puritan, stated it succinctly, “Get humble and keep humble.” It is Jesus who is the standard-bearer for true humility (Matt. 11:29). Follow Him closely through the four Gospels and you have a walking, talking humble person. Immediately, we see that humility is being obedient to the Father in heaven and taking the role of a servant. “This child” of whom Jesus speaks exhibits trust, openness, and an eagerness to learn. Look in the mirror, if you will, is that me? Humility refuses to esteem power and self-sufficiency over servanthood. Am I aware of my limitations? How do I think about them? How do I relate them to humility? What do I do well? Do I know what my strengths are? How do I relate these things to humility? Does God get the credit? The humble place their trust in God to provide for them. Our knowing, believing, and speaking for the eternal benefit of others is dependent on God who enables us.
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“Humility is a strange flower; it grows best in winter weather, and under storms of affliction.” Samuel Rutherford