Humility
Sometimes we avoid the word simply because we don't really understand the concept. Humility sounds too much like humiliation. In a world that praises being "self assertive" being humble sounds weak.
But the meaning of the word humility in a Biblical sense is "strength under control". The idea is a horse, with all that power directed under the command of the rider.
Reading Philippians 2 today.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!" Phil 2:-3-8 (NIV)
Think about that for a moment. Jesus Christ endured what he did, willingly, because he submitted his life to the plan God had for him. Even though he could have commanded legions of angels to prevent his arrest and death.
There is nothing weak in that.
Our talents, our strengths, should be used not to promote ourselves, but to benefit others. That is what we need to focus on doing.
