May: a month of 3 things ... Humility

In May, I plan to write 3 things "1 - 2 - 3 -" about whatever is going on. This first one is really hard to talk about.

I've heard and read a lot about humility lately. It's a quality most Christians believe in and aspire to, but how few of us reflect it? I stink at it (bit blunt that) so I kept my eyes and ears open to recognize it at a conference of ministers this week. Some observations:

1. Humility is thinking rightly of oneself, in relation to God and others. It doesn't mean deprecation of self, as in "Oh, I'm nothing. I'm unworthy of being noticed." That dishonors God who valued a relationship with us so much that he died for us. Humility also doesn't fight for attention, as in "I'm more humble than you are."

2. Humility is a secret grace that everyone notices. The least proud people I met this week were very accomplished, yet they didn't flaunt their skills or relationships. Instead, they quietly shone through the crowds of people, looking secure in God's pleasure and comfortable in their own skins. Their genuine comfort elevated others.

3. Humility, meekness, and love are triplets. Meekness means not demanding one's rights. And love means living for the best interests of others. If God gave report cards, I suspect mine would be marked D this week for the triplets. I was probably the least humble, meek, and loving of those at the conference. Why? Again and again, my mind returned to self-awareness and my agenda (whom I wanted to see and what I wanted to do). "After all," I justified when my heart condemned me, "we're leaving in 9 weeks."

God's presence was warm and welcoming around us. He astonished us as we worshipped. He inspired us through Scripture and preaching. He invited us to join in Kingdom work as we prayed.

In spite of His goodness, my focus was often internal. I grieved leaving these friends, this kind and caring circle of pastors, and this relaxation among peers. Though I wanted to be completely mindful of God and the needs of others, my own stuff kept cropping up in my head. How great would it have been, to be aware only of Jesus and his accomplishments! Can you relate?

God worked through many people this week. We were blessed, grateful, and awed by the Word and words spoken.

I came home thinking, "Oh Lord, what joy to be in your Presence! What a difficult task You have undertaken to remake us in your image." And, "How grateful I am that You never give up on us."

THANK YOU to our dear friends and role models who demonstrated that centering self in Christ is the way to be fully human and actualize humility. And I'm chuckling to think that the most humble reflections of the lovely light of the Cross would never suspect that I'm talking about YOU.

Read more:
*He has made his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. Psalm 111:4 NASB

*I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:1-3 NIV

*This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. 1 Corinthians 11:25 ESV

Moravian Prayer: God of all the wonders of earth, instill within us the strength we need to run the race set before us. May we feel your presence, Lord, in both times of trial and times of triumph. Amen.

31 Days of December #3 - a guest post: Humility

This guest post made me think and the first photo made me smile. A beautiful start to life together.

My name is Jacob Von Kuhn. I am a newlywed, theological enthusiast, and aspiring ski bum (God willing). Photos from my FB albums.

“I can’t believe it’s not humility.”

With my bride Whitney

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Failure is a part of life. We do it daily, although many of us would cringe at the confession. So then why is failure so difficult for some to handle? On the contrary, why are some more wrecked by failure than others? Pride.

Being married has pointed out a lot of flaws in my life but it has also brought light to dark places I would have never seen before. Humility has always been one of those undistinguishable virtues without constant form or consistent characteristics; once you think you have your head wrapped around it you are too late. I think there are aspects of humility which are hardly discussed from the pulpit of which can lead to be misconstrued and an extremely fragile façade of false humility.

Dependence on friends along the way

“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.” Proverbs 29:23, ESV

No one ever wants to confront a person on being too hard on themselves. Nor would it seem proper to confront that person about having pride issues. But that is just it; pride is our inability to recognize our absolute dependence on God’s grace and provision.

The irony to humility is the longer we stay knocked down, the more pride we have yet to deal with. We linger on our failure because our pride has been pushed to an unbelievable breaking point and, instead of fighting the giant face to face, we would rather reminisce in our self-inflated pride. Christianity can surely talk the talk, but pride is our biggest obstacle when we go to walk the walk. Instead, we should recognize that we fail because we strive for perfection, because we strive to be like Christ.

Advice from good friends

So next time you receive advice, receive it with joy. Next time you miss the expectations, take heart. If you are offended and feel every right in the world to wallow in your sorrow and self-pity, remember The Cross.

“Count it all joy, my brothers,^b when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” 1 James 1:2-4