Puttin’ On The Right View Of Ourselves- Humility

How do you see yourself? Do you think you are something special? Do you feel you are better than others? How about the attitude of feeling you deserve certain things, is that you? Of course, none of us would admit to these traits and thoughts out loud. However, it is how most people feel. It is even the thought process pushed by a lot of preachers and Christian leaders. Especially in America, we carry that feeling of entitlement into our spiritual lives. We expect God to reward us for everything we do. May I remind you that things we do, if they are done only for His glory, will be a reward “out of this world,” a reward that is far greater in every way, than anything we will receive here.

With all that being said, what is the right view of ourselves? Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12 that we are to be humble, meek, and longsuffering.

Colossians 3:12 “Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”

Humbleness of mind in the original language, the Greek, means a voluntary submission. It is an attitude of being selfless. A person with this virtue is modest in their opinion of themselves. They have a deep sense of lowliness of mind. It is not a matter of low self-esteem it’s a matter of understanding that we don’t deserve anything, yet Christ gives everything we need. This person is so grateful for all that God has done for them and knows that if they get what they deserve they get hell. This mindset allows them to work tirelessly for the cause of Christ without feeling burned out. This attitude helps us to think more of others than ourselves. The only approval this person seeks is God’s. Philippians 2:3 says it well.

Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Some view the liberty we have in Christ as a reason to do as we please, yet the truth of it is just the opposite. Galatians 5:13 says we are not to use our liberty for ourselves, but as an avenue to serve others. Liberty is the freeing from the old self, so the new self can reign.

Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

Our perfect example, Jesus Christ had a life of serving others. He did not think of himself but of what would please the Father.

Romans 15:2-3a “Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself;”


Where do you fall in this quest for the humbleness of mind? Do you feel as though others take advantage of you? Remember Jesus was taken advantage of and He could have snapped his fingers and retaliated, but He didn’t. What does Satan throw in your path to get you thinking about yourself? Examine yourself today considering these verses. Where do you stand?

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