The Importance of Humility

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, writes about the importance of humility among the brethren of the church. I would submit to you that a little humility would go a long way in helping every aspect of your life.

Is it easy to not honk your horn and shake your fist, or even keep from screaming explicative’s at the driver who carelessly cuts you off because his or her destination is much more important than yours? Not at all.

What’s the benefit of humbling yourself in that situation, and just forgiving them, backing off and allowing them in? Well, for one, there’s a health benefit. It’s common knowledge that stress is a detriment to your health. So, by humbling yourself and making it a point every time you get into your car, that you will not let other drivers get to you, is one of many ways that you can improve your quality of life through humility.

In Philippians chapter two, the apostle Paul gives us some benefits that are evident among the brethren when humility is present. In Philippians 2:1, we read of these benefits; first we have, comfort of love. In 1 John 4:8, John tells us, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” When you see a genuine love among the brethren, there’s a good chance that humility is at work.

Next we have fellowship of the spirit. This benefit is a direct result of love. Human love would never come without the potential for jealousy and strife. Why? Because human love is a direct result of self-centeredness. You love something or someone to benefit yourself; an inward form of love.

In Galatians chapter 5, Paul talks about works of the flesh; Selfish ambition or self-centeredness is a work of the flesh. Works of the flesh work opposite of God. Nothing good can ultimately come out of anything resulting from the flesh.

When self-centeredness is involved there cannot be fellowship of the spirit among the brethren. Only a godly love, which is the only love that is focused outward and not inward, can create an atmosphere that is conducive for fellowship of the spirit.

Next we have affection and mercy. These two benefits are also a direct result of a godly love. If there is affection and mercy between all the brethren, without any exception, humility is at work in that church.

Humility itself, is a direct result of godly love; as a matter of fact, anything good is a direct result of godly love. There is nothing good about anything that does not come from God, regardless if it is something worldly that we may enjoy.

This particular weekend that I am writing before, is Super Bowl weekend. People will plan their lives around this annual event. More time and effort will be put into enjoying this event by many people, than any event that may encompass the will of God for their lives throughout the remainder of the year.

You may enjoy the Super Bowl, but what ultimate good does it serve in your life? Nothing, but that moments enjoyment.

We should seek those things that are of God that fulfill His will for our lives. His ultimate will for all of us is Salvation, which is everlasting life in the Kingdom of God. In Paul’s letter to Titus, in chapter two, verses 11-12, he writes, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

Living the way Paul describes here, would take humility. It would be impossible to possess this kind of humility living opposite of God’s will for your life. With God, humility is good; in the worlds viewpoint, humility is an attack to your dignity and personal pride.

Let’s let the apostle Paul conclude here, when he tells the church at Philippi what he expects of them in order to facilitate humility. We read in Philippians chapter two verses 2, 3, and 4, “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

If we can get all the brethren in our churches on the same page, and focusing on these principles set forth by the apostle Paul, which was first displayed through the earthly life of Jesus, we would be well on our way in developing a church in true humility, and better lights for those living in the darkened world around us.