Some Reflections on the Biblical Virtue of Humility

Isaiah 66:2b (ESV): “But this is the one to whom I will look:

he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

 

 

Jonathan Edwards, dairy entry for March 2, 1723: “How much better do I feel when I am truly humbling myself, than when I am pleasing myself with my own perfections!  Oh how much pleasanter is humility than pride!  O that God would fill me with exceeding great humility, and that he would ever more keep me from all pride!  The pleasures of humility are really the most refined, inward, and exquisite delights in the world.”  Excerpt from The Works of Jonathan Edwards, reprinted ed. (Carlisle, Penn.: Banner of Truth, 1990), 1: xxvii. 

 

 

A. proposed definition for humility: “honestly assessing ourselves in light of God’s holiness and our sinfulness.” C.J. Mahaney, Humility: True Greatness (Sisters, Oreg.: Multnomah, 2005), 22.

 

 

B. how to seek to grow in humility, by the grace of God

1. Take the gospel deeply into your soul, for that good news reminds us 1) that we are Christians by the grace of God alone (Ephesians 2:8-9); 2) that any natural or spiritual talent or blessing we possess is ours by the grace of God (1 Corinthians 4:7); and 3) that our position in the world is also ours by the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).

2. Meditate daily on the humility Jesus displayed in his life (e.g., John 13:1-11).

3. Meditate daily on the massive reality that Jesus Christ, though he was the eternal Son of God, “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).

4. Tremble at the word of God (Isaiah 66:2b).

5. “Begin your day by acknowledging your dependence upon God and your need for God.” (Numbers 5-10 herein are taken from Mahaney, Humility, 171-72.)

6. “Study the attributes of God.”

7. “Laugh often, and laugh at yourself.”

8. “Identify evidences of grace in others.”

9. “Encourage and serve others each and every day.”

10. “Play golf as much as possible.”