Formation Group Series: Chapter 5
Humility is not just doing a lowly task; it’s a life committed to the hard task of lowering one’s defenses. (pg. 94)
I recently heard that John Stott, a man who was widely recognized as being extremely humble, when asked “with all that you have accomplished, how do you remain so humble?” he replied, “Humility is just another word for honesty.” Having and maintaining an honest assessment of our true-self and living from that space, removes the popular desire to be offended at every turn. What Pastor Rich is exhorting us towards is finding that true-self. Lowing our defenses leaves us vulnerable and open, yet it is exactly through this discipline that we enter into true humility, and find that true-self in Christ. Then and only then, can we live free from offense, not fighting to protect some false image we hope to project into the world. When we are honest with who we are in Christ, the true-self, the self loved and held secure by the Father, is free to live that abundant life Jesus so passionately spoke of.
The humble are those who live in the fullness of the kingdom because they have nothing to prove. (pg. 100)
It often feels like our world is one big proving ground. An arena where we battle opponent after opponent in some grand scheme to prove our worth and establish our legacy. We are immediately called upon to defend this or that statement, action, or stance. We are pitted against one another (even spouses, mothers and fathers) depending on the various labels that might categorize us: democrats vs republicans, citizen vs immigrant, conservative vs progressive. Only those who shed the categories and refuse to fight in the frenzied, hectic arena self-promotion and self-protection are free to live in the fullness of the kingdom.
His body was healed on the seventh dip, but his heart was being transformed on the first dip, when he set aside his entitled ways and humbly said yes to Elisha’s instructions. (pg. 104)
Much of our perspective depends on the ability to see that the process is just as important as the final outcome. Pastor Rich is pointing out to us that the true-self is found only through intentional submission to transformation by the Spirit. And we can only enter this transformation along the pathway of humility.
Reflection
How have you heard humility defined?
How does the false-self keep us from experiencing God’s love?
Rich mentioned that cultivating humility involves having nothing to protect, prove, or possess. Which of these three do you have the most difficult letting go?
What might it look like for you to take off the armor?
Scripture for Meditation
Philippians 2 1-4 (The Message) If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
