Great Things Come Through Humility

You may think the title of this blog post is a paradox; how can great things come from humility? Isn't it usually the humble people who get taken advantage of by others? Well, let me explain what I mean.

Webster defines the word "humble" as, "Not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive: reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission: ranking low in hierarchy or scale: insignificant, unpretentious."

David was a humble shepherd boy. One day, he took some food to his brothers who were in the army. The giant Goliath came out and defied the army of the living God. David was no physical match for Goliath, but that did not deter him one bit. He had a strong faith in his God. Through this humble beginning, there came a champion who slew a giant! David became a mighty warrior and a great king.

Another great story of humility is found in the book of Jonah. After hearing the Word of the Lord that Jonah brought, the King and citizens of Ninevah humbled themselves before God. As a result, the entire city was spared of the destruction that was to come. Humility saved a whole city! A similar promise is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

The greatest story of humility began in a humble stable in Bethlehem. Emmanuel was born there! He was wrapped in swaddling cloth and laid in a manger. From this humble beginning, the Savior of the world came and dwelt among us. The Bible says in Philippians 2:7, “But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” The very God of heaven, The Creator of the universe, humbled Himself to become human. He submitted Himself to death on the cross so that a way of redemption could be extended to mankind. That is incredible!

As followers of Christ, we should adopt the example that Jesus gave us and have a humble spirit. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” 1 Peter 5:5-6 encourages, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:” We should not be trying to exalt ourselves; let God be the One that lifts us up.

There are benefits of having a humble spirit. Job 22:29 says, “When men are cast down, then Thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and He shall save the humble person."

God hears the cries of the humble. Psalm 10:17 reads, “Lord, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble: Thou wilt prepare their heart, Thou wilt cause Thine ear to hear.” God will bring honor to the humble. Proverbs 29:23 declares, “A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” God revives the humble. Isaiah 57:15 says, “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” God will make the humble great. Jesus said in Matthew 18:4, “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Remember, child of God, there is greatness in humility and great things can come from humble beginnings!