I have been working on a study of humility during some of my Sabbath
time. It is a quality that I find tricky to handle. It's rarely
modeled in our world and often frowned upon. I looked up the
definition and did a Bible search on humility and was surprised by how
many verses deal with this topic! God knew what a struggle it could
be and gave many warnings and instructions.

HUMILITY: 1. the quality of being modest and respectful; 2. modest
opinion of one's own importance; 3. lowliness, meekness,
submissiveness.

1. Respectful:
My human nature says, "Do what I want to do. Don't worry about anyone
else. It won't really make a difference if I speak to others or help
them."

God's Word says,
Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31 NIV)

'Honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'
(Matthew 19:19 NIV)

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another,
be compassionate and humble. (1 Peter 3:8 NIV)

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so
prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save
you. (James 1:21 NIV)

"Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?"
declares the Lord. "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who
are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word."
(Isaiah 66:2 NIV)

2. Self-Importance:
My human nature says, "It's all about ME! Who else will look out for
me if I don't? I need to feel important, look good and make the world
notice me."

God's Word says,
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29 NIV)

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming
obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8 NIV)

God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change—he will hear
them and humble them, because they have no fear of God. (Psalm 55:19
NIV)

He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
(Proverbs 3:34 NIV)

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10 NIV)

The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low;
the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. (Isaiah 2:11 NIV)

3. Submissiveness:
My human nature says, "Rules are just suggestions for other people. I
can figure things out on my own. I don't need anyone telling me what
to do."

God's Word says,
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another
in love. (Ephesians 4:2 NIV)

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your
elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one
another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the
humble." (1 Peter 5:5 NIV)

He said to them, "Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to
God what is God's." (Luke 20:25 NIV)

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble
themselves will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12 NIV)

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. (Psalm 25:9 NIV)

My thoughts can be in direct opposition to God's ways. My biggest
struggle is thinking I can handle everything on my own-my way is the
best way! It is quite prideful and shows my lack of faith. How
thankful I am for a merciful God!

There is an abundance of Scripture concerning humility. Thank you for
allowing me to share some with you this week. This topic hits me hard
right now, so I hope to dig deeper with some thoughts and stories next
week.

If you have a verse on humility that speaks to you, please feel free
to share! I would also love to hear your greatest struggles in this
area and how you handle them.

Until next week,
Lisa G.