…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:5-7)
Darting across the lush expanse of the lawn, my son chases me down. Feeling like a gazelle being chased by a lioness, I scream with anticipation as he tags me. “What!? He can catch me?” I was sprinting as fast as possible. When did this happen? He’s becoming stronger, taller, and faster.
“Tag! You’re it!” Hysterically laughing, I spin around to chase after him. I can’t reach him. Hmmph! Strategize… Let him come to me. I’ll have to pretend not to pursue him. I’ll run after my other children. Yet, I’m only a few years away of being outrun by them too. In a sense, I must grow lesser as they grow stronger allowing them to become independent and autonomous. I must let go in an act of humility.
Not that I’ve come close to mastering it, but I see the beauty of humility. Revealing the path to unity, humility places the needs of the other above selfish pride. Humility is a realization of God-given purpose, not at all derogating, weak, or permissive. It is an act of love, an act of strength.
Humility is placing myself under the authority of God. The root of humility stems from a trust that God cares and has my best interest at heart. Humility deepens the more I seek and know the God of the Bible. It is the lessening of my willfulness so I can honestly say, “Have your way in me, God.”
Humility is an act of the will – my will. It is a decision – a way of being in relation to God (and others). It is an act of love, of adoration, of gratitude. It is realizing the full potential of God working in me by allowing him to work unrestrained in and through my life.
I am learning to shed my view of God based upon my view of earthly relationships and focus on the true God of the Scriptures. I am learning to strip back the layers of self-preservation, fear, and mistrust that keep me guarded and isolated from knowing the full love of God: the God whose love is so wide and long and high and deep that I couldn’t even swim its depths (Eph. 3:18). God’s love is so rich that we would joyfully pay any price to keep (Matt, 13:44-46). God’s love protects like a mighty fortress overcoming all the attacks of the enemy without retreating (Ps. 91).
God’s perfect love inspires, stirs hope, and imparts life. His love heals – not just superficially, but profoundly – to the core. The love that penetrates to the darkest recesses of our souls, never shrinking back, but always pursuing, waiting for us to decide…
What will it be? Will we choose to mask over the darkness, separation, and pain that exist, closing ourselves off from God? Or will we humbly and courageously invite this loving God in to shine his light and love which at last brings the deepest healing? Our souls have been unknowingly yearning for that freedom. We are captive until he sets us free.
Overwhelming gratitude emanates when we experience and believe in the goodness of Christ. Humility is one of many responses, but it takes a faith which can only be imparted by God. What an immeasurable treasure!
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