Bulletin Articles: Full Article for Record Number 1063
Humility
by Larry Ray Hafley
Humility, humility, humility-nothing exalts a man so high as thee! "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matt. 23:12). "A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Prov. 29:23).
The essentiality of humility is seen in our need for the grace of God. Once a man sins, he is in need of grace. Once in need of grace, he never again may be proud. Thus, a proud heart does not understand the essential essence of redemption through the blood of Christ, for if he did, he would be brought low. "But," you say, "we are exalted in Christ." Yes, but that uplifted state, if truly appreciated, removes pride from its pedestal and enthrones meekness and lowliness of mind upon the heart. As proof there of, we note the following:
"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Lk. 18:9-14). His recognition of his guilt and his need for mercy made this poor publican (a Jewish tax collector) sense his own unworthiness. His knowledge of his low estate humbled him before God.
Humility is not a gaudy ornament of the character. Ornaments are for display. Often, they may say, "Look at me." No, humility is not that. What, then? It is an attitude of heart-quiet, patient, persevering. Humility is labors of love beneath a veil of lowliness. Humility does not care who receives the credit. It is just thankful to be able to serve.
No man is truly great who is not humble. The greatest man who ever graced the scenes of sacred or secular history is proof of this. He "emptied" and "humbled himself." He sought not his own will. He looked after the benefit of others. His reward of men was an ignominious death of shame and reproach. His reward of God reads as follows, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him" (Phil. 2:9). Thus be it ever to the humble.
