Be clothed with Humility.

   Donna Partow, author of Becoming a Vessel God Can Use has penned a statement about humility that is absolutely spot on as far as I am concerned because it is completely scriptural.

Humility is not the same as beating yourself up or letting other people put you down. Humility is not the same as low self~esteem and it’s not the opposite of confidence. In fact, the truly humble person walks with absolute confidence, knowing that we are simply empty vessels through whom God wants to accomplish His work.   Donna Partow    

   In the Old Testament we see the phrase “put on” primarily in reference to the donning of garments, adornment or armor, or the application of oil or water on someone or something, or setting an article of some kind on something. The New Testament has a few similar references using the term “put on”, but the New Testament ushered in a far more personal and powerful kingdom principle with that phrase.

   In the Old Testament there are many verses and passages telling us what righteousness is and is not, and how God’s people can benefit from it. The New Testament shows us something very beautiful about righteousness that only the born again Christian can experience. Righteousness is a force and an integral, vital and powerful force. Because of the finished work of the cross, Jesus took all of our sin, past, present and future on Himself and gave us His righteousness, the righteousness of God!

   If you are a born again believer of the Lord Jesus Christ, you are the righteousness of God Himself!

   But we must wear that righteousness and not leave it in the closet. This “putting on” is going to take more than slipping into trousers, a dress or shoes though. And to believe you are the righteousness of God and walk it out before others will take the total abandonment of self and the trust in God that IS true humility. Unlike those in the Old Testament we have the very Spirit of God living in us, and all the fruit of His nature is a part of us. “Putting on” one the characteristics of God’s nature is not “putting on” pretense. This is receiving without hesitation or apology what God bankrupt Heaven to give us. To “put on” the righteousness of God, or anything else He promised us, we simply must believe God, agree with His Word and choose to walk and talk that alone.

   1 Peter 5:5 tells us to be clothed with humility. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Ephesians 6:14 tells us to put on our righteousness. And then, 1 Peter 5:5 tells us God gives grace to the humble. In our own strength, and since pride gets in the way, we need God’s grace to be able to walk in the kind of confidence we can have in God and in His Word. It takes true humility to do that. Humility is not self degradation, but understanding our right standing in Christ, and Christ alone. Jesus knew Who He was every step of the way to the cross. No matter how it looked to man, He, the King of kings, walked out the highest calling of all.

   When we have understanding, a revelation, of what God’s Word is saying about something to the degree that we make the quality decision to actively receive it, we will apply it to our daily lives and refuse to allow anyone, any thought, or any circumstance try to persuade us out of that promise.

   When you are tempted to say things about yourself are self degrading or are contrary to who you are in Christ, stop and think about how God sees you and the right standing you have with Him. Meditate on that for a few minutes and then see what it is you really want to say.

For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;

With favor You will surround him as with a shield. 

Psalm 5:12