Number 12:3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)
Humility is a “sober assessment” of not thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. Humility helps us to grow out of the need to put ourselves above others to feel important and also teaches us not to degrade ourselves below others. Humility is not weakness but strength under control. Humility is not an emotion. You don’t feel humble. You are humble. Humility is the foundation of all other virtues.
The definition of humility is the feeling or attitude that you have no special importance that makes you better than others or having a lack of pride.
Humility leaves indelible credentials in the ‘Book of Remembrance’. Moses was not born humble. He craved for importance and enjoyed significance by overloading himself by serving the people for ridiculously long hours. The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening (Exodus 18:13). He coveted prominence hence, overworked himself just to keep everyone happy. “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will” (vs 15). His father-in-law advised him to train and delegate duties to trustworthy men and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Moses understood his character flaw and took the sound advice of his father-in-law.Towards the end of his journey, the Lord God Himself testified that Moses was the meekest man on the face of the earth!
God is against the arrogant. “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (I Peter 5:5). Anger tantrums, bickering and complaining are attention seeking traits rooted in egocentricity. Intentional decisions to let go of ego and to esteem others above ourselves adds indelible credentials to the Book of Remembrance in heaven.
Humility imprints Indelible Credentials:
1. Ego: Apologizing, being quick to let go of offence, putting aside animosity and hostility, respecting others irrespective of their opulence, influence or affluence chips away ‘ego’ from our character. Egotism destroys families, careers and our character.
2. Esteem: Respecting others and self-respect co-exists in a person who is humble. It is not possible to be humble at the same time disrespect others or mistreat yourself. Humility does not allow the opinion of others to damage our own self-respect and does not influence the way we treat others.
3. Emotional Neutrality: Humility brings emotional neutrality. It is a maturity in a person where they do not put themselves above others nor do they put themselves below others. Humility is the foundation on which love, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, purity and self-control are built.
Surrendering self-importance, ego and selfishness nurtures ‘humility’. The test of humility can be measured about how long we take to forget an offence or overcome unforgiveness. The longer we take, the further away we are from humility.
Deuteronomy 34:10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, you are the epitome of humility. Help me to become humble and meek like you. Teach me to respect myself and at the same time treat others with love and dignity. Amen
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