“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” Ephesians 4:2 NIV

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” Psalms 25:9 NIV

I always feel small and humbled in the shadow of God’s marvelous creation!

We all know that humility is an important characteristic for a follower of Jesus. After all He is our example and the One we would love to emulate. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus tells us, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” I want to be humble like Jesus.

When I was a child, I was the consummate “people-pleaser”. I did things to make others happy and I think this skewed my outlook on humility. If you asked me then if I was humble, I probably would have said yes, maybe because I was quiet and somewhat shy. But because I wanted to make my parents and others happy, I was constantly worried about what people thought about me; my actions, my words, my grades, my looks. Was I good enough? Was I worthy enough? Skewed, right?

But as my relationship with the Lord has grown over the years, I realize that humility is really understanding that all I accomplish, all my talents, all my successes, all I am, come from Him. I am humble because I trust the Lord to guide me and teach me the lessons I need to serve Him better. I know the Lord is beside me. He is the only one I have to please. And His timing has to become my timing.

I have to admit I am disappointed to be at something of a standstill on the children’s book writing. I have submitted and been rejected lots of times. But I have to accept that perhaps the Lord has more to teach me. I have to wait for His perfect timing. I have to wait to “be lifted up” by God’s mighty hand. But until then, I serve the Lord where He leads me.

I can’t help thinking (when I’m feeling a bit prideful of myself for something) that other people’s acknowledgements are then my only reward. Just like the Pharisees that Jesus rebuked, who prayed loudly to be heard by men. They had their reward. This helps me to be even more humble!

This week let’s examine our motivations. Let’s serve with a cheerful heart, a loving spirit, a gentle manner, and a humility that mirrors our Lord. Our rewards will be God’s guidance and teaching as He directs our path. God will reward us by lifting us up in His due time. Added to all of that, a very welcome reward of rest in the Lord.

I thank God for each of you! And I humbly thank each of you for joining me today to talk about being humble like our Lord, Jesus. We are all striving.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5