Paul said, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits” (Romans 12:16). Humility is enjoined on God’s people: (1) Israel, Micah 6:8; (2) At social gatherings, Luke 14:10; (3) To those who would be great, Luke 22:26; (4) To those who would think soberly, Romans 12:3; (5) To be lifted up, James 4:10; (6) To be clothed with it, 1 Peter 5:5.
Let us first note what humility is not. It is not a certain tone of the voice. It is not merely acting sympathetically. Some would lead us to believe they are deeply touched when really they have little or no concern (John 12:1-6). Others believe that when they give “big gifts” to brotherhood projects, they manifest their humility. There are some in the church so “humble” they are proud of it (Matthew 6:16)! Many of the quarrels and brotherhood problems over the years have been caused by the “humble” among us. Note the spirit of false teachers. To hear them tell it, they are the humblest fellows on earth.
Second, what is it to be humble? Vine says, “It primarily signifies low-lying. It is used always in a good sense in the New Testament, metaphorically, to denote: (a) of low degree, brought low, Lk. 1:52; Rom 12:16; (b) humble in spirit, Matt. 11:29; 2 Cor. 10:1.” The word “abase” in the New Testament is akin to humility. Webster says, “A state or quality of being humble in spirit; freedom from pride and arrogance.” Humility is the sincere acknowledgment in thought, in language, in action, of the first and most commanding of all facts—the acknowledgment of God and our attitude and treatment of each other.
I remember as a student at Freed-Hardeman College, brother Olan Hicks (now deceased) used to say, “Young men, always remember, the way up is down.” We would all agree theoretically, but often in our lives, performance is lacking.
Third, looking to Jesus will help us in practice. (1) He is meek and lowly in heart. (2) He washed His disciples’ feet, John 13:5. (3) He was obedient unto death, Philippians 2:8. (4) His life was absent of worldly pride in: (a) Appearance, Isaiah 53:2; (b) World success, Isaiah 53:3; (c) Reputation, Matthew 2:23; (d) Riches, Matthew 8:20 and (e) Rank, Matthew 13:55.
Fourth, the example of the early church is a source of strength and encouragement to all of God’s people to live humble lives. Pliny, a historian (117-138 AD), wrote to the Roman Emperor, Hadrian, shortly after the death of the apostle John, concerning the early church. He said:
They walk in all humility and kindness, and falsehood is not found among them. They love one another. They rescue the orphan from violence…they do not refuse to help widows. He who has, gives ungrudgingly, to him that lacks. If they see a stranger, they take him home and entertain him as a brother. When one of their poor passes from this world, anyone of them who sees it provides for his burial according to his ability. And if they hear about one of their members being in prison or being oppressed for the name of their Messiah, all of them provide for his needs. Thus they labor to become righteous as those who expect to see their Messiah and to receive from him the glorious fulfillment of the promise made to them. Truly, this is a new people and there is something divine in them.
Humility was the trademark of the first century church. God help us to be like they were.
