Be Humble

Be Humble

During a recent deep discussion with my 40-year-old daughter, she asked me: “Mama, what is the one most defining characteristic of a TRUE Christian?” I immediately replied, “Humility.” She was surprised by my answer and took a moment to process my response. I went on to explain, “Until you can say, ‘He is God, and I am not,’ there’s not much room left for humility.” According to the Chinese theologian and evangelist, Watchman Nee, “We humble ourselves before God in order that we may seek our lack and receive from His abundance of grace.” This is what Jesus meant when He said in John 15:5, “For apart from Me you can do nothing.” We are dependent on His grace. Until we let God be God and let Jesus be the Lord of our lives, there is no chance of our remaining humble.

We are born a bit self-centered. From birth, our requirement for shelter, love, and care dominates our sensibilities. A good conscience and sense of compassion for others must be learned. Many of us would exalt ourselves at the expense of others well into our adulthood, unless Jesus takes hold of our lives and humbles us. He reveals our true helplessness apart from His transformative intervention in our lives and allows us to be all that He created us to be.

The Apostle James has something to say about humility. He says, “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore, it says, God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble … Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:6-10). Sounds like a good goal to pursue, because it comes with a promise from God.

Let us Walk in His Way.

Dear Lord, Proverbs 29:23 says, “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” Please help us remember that, apart from You, we can do nothing, but as Paul says in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Therefore, I pray these words of Andrew Murray, “I pray that of Your great goodness, You would make known to me, and take from my heart, every kind and form and degree of pride, whether it be from evil spirits, or my own corrupt nature; and … awaken in me the deepest depth and truth of the humility that can make me capable of Your light and Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.” Amen.

by Corinne “Kinney” deHamel

author of “Walk in His Way” for

Carry the Light Ministries