Humility is a word that typically brings about a negative response in people. People tend to think it connotes weakness or means they must abandon what they want and selflessly sacrifice for others. Humility as it relates to being humble in that we put others first is not a chore we must finish on our “to do" list when we are enjoying the fullness of God’s love. When we are spending time with God and walking in His love, kindness and goodness toward others will roll out of us quite easily and in abundance.
Jesus made Himself low for us and God exalted Him. Saul was brought out of his lowliness and God made him the first king of Israel. He became prideful and was destroyed. Should we play nice so we can attempt to be lifted up or to get things? No! I am not talking about religious works to appease or attempt to please God. I am talking about the outflow of God’s goodness that is developed in us. God is love and everything in our Spirit is birthed out of love. If we are spending time with God, reading His Word and allowing Him to speak to us, we will experience and develop that love relationship. That time in the Word will renew our mind. That time of fellowship spent with our Father will cause His love in our spirit to beautifully infuse our souls with itself. That love is what will pour out of us and onto others. Putting others first will come naturally, well supernaturally ~ but it will be effortless for us. God loves to shine through us! I am always amazed when I realize He is using me. That is another post though.
When watered and given sunlight fruit will effortlessly grow on a tree. Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit, but there is no real definition for the Greek word in English. The Greek word “meek” in Matthew 5:5 and the word “meekness” in Galatians 5:23 both are “praus” or “praos”. This Greek word is not easily defined in English but the words gentleness, mild and humility or humble are what best translate. One thing Vine’s Dictionary says is that this can be translated as “It [meekness~humility] is not occupied with self at all but with what can benefit others. Another definition is “to be totally dependent upon God.” True humility begins when we embrace John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." When we do that we empty ourselves of ourselves and God can fill that empty vessel with the kind of love that expresses itself to others with their benefit as its goal. That is where "meekness ~ humility" which are most often named "gentleness" in the fruit of the Spirit, shines out as the fruit of the Spirit with great power. If you read on down to John 15:7-8 you will see the power of that humility, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples”. And then again in Philippians 4:13 we see what happens when we humble ourselves and let God take over, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And it will be as effortless as grapes growing on a vine.
The world is looking for real love and if we have the real deal in our relationship with God and freely give it to others, they will recognize it and receive it. If we teach children young how to develop their relationship with God, really show them how to spend time with their Abba~Daddy, we will not have to explain the importance of being a kind person because the love they are receiving and experiencing from their Heavenly Father will flow out of them. Imagine the ripple effect of that!
Is there an area of your life that spending more time just enjoying your Heavenly Father's company would be of help and an encouragement to you?
“So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."
Matthew 18:4
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