Humility is the hidden gem that brings the favor of God and man. Humble people have less relational drama in their lives for they don’t see themselves better than others.
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
God’s love, Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and our fellowship with the Holy Spirit are the essence of our security and relational stability. This beautiful place in God helps us to be humble because there is no need to prove anything to anyone. We already know we are loved and valuable to God. We don’t need to make a name for ourselves or look down upon others to feel better about ourselves.
We live in a time that everyone’s opinion is very valuable to them. People choose opinion over peace in relationships, and at the end of the day, they are left with strife and anger. Pride brings the atmosphere of self-assertion thinking that our ideas and opinions are better than others. That kind of mindset doesn’t allow the unity of the Holy Spirit. Some people are intent on ensuring their voices are heard and their opinions are respected. Pride brings about much strife in relationships, but humility eases tensions and creates an atmosphere of love, peace, and acceptance.
Humility is the opposite of selfish ambition and vain conceit. Humble people value others and value their input. They realize that we all need each other, and we are all pushing in the same direction to glorify God.
Daniel had the potential to continually be in strife with his pagan colleagues for they did not honor God. However, he had a clear boundary and understanding of his responsibility. He did not impose his views on others, and neither did he expect others to value his beliefs or convictions. However, when he was asked to do something that was against the will of God in his life, he stood his ground in humility even to the point of placing his life in danger. He had the humility to be at peace with others even though his life and his convictions were diametrically opposite of the pagan world he lived in.
Pride can also bring about disunity and strife in relationships is in our desire to be used by God. Many of us are taught that God has a plan for our lives, and He wants us to use our gifts and abilities to make a difference in the Kingdom. So when we are available and willing, but we are not invited, then offense raises its ugly head.
A humble person does not get offended when they are not picked to speak, lead, or worship. They are content to use their gifts wherever needed, and they are happy that the kingdom of God is advancing with or without their ministry. This avoids strife and disunity in the body of Christ. Ultimately how and when we are used is in the hands of the Lord.
If you find yourself frequently in strife with others, it could be that your opinions and ideas are very important to you. If we truly want to love our neighbor as ourselves, we need to ask ourselves, do we interact in humility with others? Do we value what they have to say? Is our primary goal to glorify the Lord or to ensure we are heard? Are we good listeners? We need to pray for ourselves and for the body of Christ on how to remain humble yet effective in keeping the unity of the body and being salt and light in the world.
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