#2 - Learn the Value of Humility

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Jenaleigh,

Last time we talked about daring to be different. You remember, not different for the sake of being different, but different in the way that a child of God is different from the world.

If you are different the way you ought to be, it’s going to be tempting to look around at others and say to yourself, “Wow, I’m doing pretty well! I have this all figured out. If only these other people could catch up to how righteous I am!”

That is the wrong attitude.

Instead, learn the value of true humility. Learning humility is not easy. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes the lessons in life which lead us to be humble show us some things about ourselves that we didn’t realize, and that are not pretty. But be ready to learn what to change, and you’ll do just fine.

Paul wrote to the church in Romans 12:16, “Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” I suppose this is the best starting point for anyone.

Being humble means not telling others that you are. They’ll figure it out through your actions.

Being humble means not being so full of yourself that you can’t see others.

Being humble means being willing to learn (Proverbs 11:2).

Being humble means being willing to listen to someone teach you something you think you already know.

Being humble means being willing to share what you have with a grateful recipient.

Being humble means being willing to share what you have with someone who is ungrateful, and wants even more (Luke 6:30).

Being humble sometimes means not saying exactly what’s on your mind.

Being humble means being willing to be last, even when you deserve to be first in the line.

Being humble doesn’t mean that you let someone do something they shouldn’t, but you aren’t self-righteous when you correct them (2 Timothy 2:25).

Being humble also means being strong enough to stand up for what is right (Zephaniah 2:3).

Being humble means being willing to sacrifice (Philippians 2:8).

There are so many things involved in being humble. If you keep God first, and always think of your responsibilities to others (and then act on those thoughts) you’ll be headed down the right track.

Remember what Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

 

 

 

For the next in this series, click here.