Humility is… Perspective.
We’re on day 5 of our series Humility is...’ How have you been enjoying it so far?
On Day 1, I shared this simple thought: Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
The logical next question would be, “Then what am I supposed to think about instead?”
The answer is simple: God.
When we turn our minds from ourselves to Him—when we reflect on His greatness instead of our problems, when we marvel at His love instead of our pain—we can’t help but grow humble in the process.
Humility is shifting your perspective from yourself to God.
We can witness this process taking place in the story of Job.
For twenty long chapters (in Job 3-31), Job is drowning in self-pity, listing all his despair, complaints, and self-righteousness.
Honestly, who can blame him? He lost everything, and that too, through no fault of his own; he lived a completely righteous and upright life, fearing God (Job 1).
If anyone had a right to complain, it was Job.
Almost every verse in the chapters of Job’s lament includes the word “I”, “me”, or “my.” Job is completely consumed by his own misery.
But then, from chapter 38, God starts speaking and reminds Job of His majesty, His power, and His might. He basically asks Job, “Who are you, compared to Me?”
Suddenly, Job’s perspective changes. His tone softens, and humility begins to flow from his heart:
I am unworthy—how can I reply to You? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more. – Job 40:4-5 NIV
And:
I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. – Job 42:2 NIV
Job’s focus has shifted; his eyes are now on God, and it has humbled him.
Pride, ego and self-righteousness creep in when we start to focus on ourselves and our problems, instead of God’s goodness and His might.
Fix your eyes and your mind on Him, and as a result, humility will cultivate in your heart.
