In our journey through life, we often encounter internal struggles that can hinder our spiritual growth. One of the most pervasive and challenging of these is pride. Like a subtle poison, pride can seep into our hearts and minds, distorting our perception of ourselves and our relationship with God. But what if there was a way to overcome this obstacle? What if we could learn a new language – a kingdom language – that could transform our hearts and minds?
The concept of humility stands in stark contrast to pride. It’s a language that many of us struggle to learn, yet it’s absolutely essential for our spiritual growth. As we delve into this topic, we’ll explore what true humility looks like, how it differs from false humility, and how we can cultivate it in our lives.
In the ancient Hebrew culture, humility was physically represented by a posture of kneeling. This act symbolized one’s low position in front of God’s highness. It’s a powerful image that reminds us of our place in relation to our Creator. But humility isn’t just about outward actions; it’s a heart attitude that permeates every aspect of our lives.
The book of Proverbs offers profound wisdom on the subject of pride and humility. “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall,” warns Proverbs 16:18. The word “haughtiness” here refers to arrogance in its most extreme form. It’s a sobering reminder that pride isn’t just a character flaw – it’s a sin in God’s eyes.
But the Bible doesn’t leave us without hope. It also speaks of the benefits of humility. Proverbs 22:4 tells us, “True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.” The contrast is clear: while pride leads to disgrace, humility brings wisdom, honor, and blessings.
To truly understand humility, we need look no further than Jesus Christ. His life exemplifies perfect humility, and His encounter with temptation in the wilderness provides a powerful lesson for us all.
After fasting for 40 days and nights, Jesus faced three temptations from the devil. Each temptation targeted a different aspect of pride: self-reliance, self-importance, and self-exaltation.
In the first temptation, the devil challenged Jesus to turn stones into bread, appealing to His physical hunger and His ability to perform miracles. This temptation of self-reliance sought to make Jesus prove His identity and power. But Jesus responded with Scripture, saying, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus relied not on His own abilities, but on the sustaining power of God’s word.
The second temptation took place at the highest point of the temple, where the devil dared Jesus to jump, assuring Him that angels would protect Him. This temptation of self-importance aimed to make Jesus seek attention and validation from others. Again, Jesus countered with Scripture, reminding us not to test God but to trust in His timing and methods.
In the final temptation, the devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He would worship him. This temptation of self-exaltation promised a shortcut to greatness without the cross. But Jesus, knowing the Father’s plan, rebuked Satan, declaring that worship belongs to God alone.
Through these encounters, Jesus demonstrates true humility. He didn’t need to prove Himself, seek importance, or exalt Himself. Instead, He remained steadfast in His identity as God’s Son and in His mission to serve and save humanity.
So how can we cultivate this kind of humility in our own lives? The answer lies in studying God’s Word. It’s not an easy task, but it’s absolutely necessary for our spiritual growth. We need to make time – or rather, carve out time – from our busy lives to immerse ourselves in Scripture.
One practical approach is to develop a balanced reading plan that covers both the Old and New Testaments. For example, you might read a Psalm on Sundays, Genesis on Mondays, Matthew on Tuesdays, and so on. The key is consistency and perseverance. It may take time, but the rewards of deeper understanding and spiritual growth are immeasurable.
As we study God’s Word, we begin to see ourselves and our world through His eyes. We recognize our dependence on Him, our need for His grace, and the futility of pride. We learn to rest in our identity as His beloved children, just as Jesus did when faced with temptation.
Learning humility is a lifelong journey. It requires us to constantly check our pride, to surround ourselves with people who can lovingly call out our arrogance, and to consistently turn to God’s Word for guidance and truth. It means recognizing that our greatest strengths can become stumbling blocks if we allow pride to take root.
But the beautiful truth is that as we learn this kingdom language of humility, we open ourselves up to God’s wisdom, honor, and blessings. We follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross for our sake.
As we conclude, let’s remember that learning this new language of humility isn’t easy, but it is absolutely necessary. It’s a journey that requires daily commitment and dependence on God. But it’s also a journey that leads to true freedom, deeper relationship with God, and a life that reflects His glory.
So, let’s take up the challenge. Let’s commit to studying God’s Word, to cultivating humility in our hearts, and to living lives that honor Him. As we do, we’ll find ourselves growing in wisdom, experiencing God’s favor, and becoming more like Christ – the perfect example of true humility.