Ran across this great clip from Erwin McManus on humility from his book, Uprising. Thought it was worth a post.
Humility’s closest attribute is honesty. Humility doesn’t require us to be self-deprecating. Humility is not about having a low self image or poor self image. Humility is about self awareness. Is important to be self-aware in relationship to our gifts, talents, skills and intellect. But in regards to our spiritual health, it is far more essential that we be self-aware in the arena personal character. If you see yourself for who you are and embrace it honestly, humility is the natural result. God isn’t asking you to say something about yourself that isn’t true. God is asking that we take a good, long look in the mirror and see yourself for who we truly are, and then after that, to have the courage to ask for help.
Our humility allows God’s intervention. The word humble comes from humus, which is simply translated “earth” or “dirt.” Humility is about coming to grips with our humanity. The Scriptures describe a proud person as one who is “puffed up.” Pride is the determination to be seen as bigger than we are. When we are humble, we are down to earth. No energy is wasted on pretension. A humble man can be taken at face value. It is ironic that the imagery of being humble is one where we never lower ourselves. Humility sees nothing as beneath it in terms of servanthood. It is in this position that God finds delight in reversing the order. When we lower ourselves, God is eager to lift us up. Only for the humble is there a promise from God of being exalted. Only to the lowly will God leave a legacy of greatness.
