Fridays are for ‘Reclaiming Words!’

The intent of this series is to explore words that I think need to be introduced — or re-introduced — to this current generation of college students.

These words have lost their meaning… or have been mis-used or redefined in unhelpful ways… and therefore need to be reclaimed and redefined (again) so that they can be realized by our students!

Today’s word: HUMILITY.

And it’s inspired by my time with Eugene Peterson this past week.

It’s a word that means: the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, etc.

A quality or condition (not something that can be faked or quickly produced).

A modest opinion or estimation of one’s own importance or rank (not high, but not healthily low either).

It’s similar in meaning to: lowliness, meekness and submissiveness — terms we don’t hear lauded by the culture we live in — or most churches for that matter.

It’s antithesis is pride.

In a culture that’s growing increasingly loud — in order to be heard — humility waits to be heard… quietly.

In a culture of building a platform or following — humility waits… for God to open doors and provide opportunities to influence.

In a culture obsessed with trying to get as many other people’s attention as possible — humility gives attention to the One worthy of listening to… and takes its cues on how to live and love from Him.

Humility is not self-promoting or self-seeking.

It’s gentle, peaceful and trusting.

The words humility, humble and humbled are collectively found only 88 times in the NIV translation of the bible — but occur consistently throughout both Old and New Testaments.

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, “This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me.'” Exodus 10:3

Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Deuteronomy 8:2-3

The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. I Samuel 2:7

You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. II Samuel 22:28

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

In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. Psalm 45:4

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

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

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

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 14:11

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. James 1:9

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. I Peter 5:6

There’s something significant — even central — to the quality of humility as a follower of Jesus, an image-bearer of the Most High God.

In humility we are mindful — acutely so — of our place in relation to God.

We are submissive.

We are second — or last.

In humility we’re mindful of others — as our brothers and sisters in Christ — and fellow image-bearers.

Humility is something that is “slowly cooked” over a “long obedience in the same direction.”

Humility is a work of God within us… that starts in the heart and eventually makes its way out.

Humility is birthed slowly.

What would our world look like if those of us who call ourselves Christians allowed God to cultivate this quality within us?

How would young Christians think differently of the Christian faith, and their own faith lived out, if humility were a much more noticeable characteristic of the Christian leaders they observe in the world around them?

How do you look to cultivate a spirit of humility within your students… and yourself?

Eugene Peterson embodied this quality of humility in ways that few Christians I run across are able to. I’m thankful for his faithful example of 80 years of living, leading and serving with humility.

I hope that we can become a similar example for those that we have been called to serve.