Tuesday, 24 August 2010 19:00 Written by Dr. Robert Zweitzig

What is humility? For some it means embarrassment when the truth catches them in a lie about something they claimed they said or did. For others, when they are caught in lies, there is no embarrassment, but only anger, sadness and regret for being exposed in their lie.

Embarrassment may come from lack of preparation for our work, studies, or other neglected responsibilities when our failure is discovered. Embarrassment can result from the truth about ourselves being revealed by others. A new seminary graduate had just preached his first sermon and he was certain that others were as impressed with his effort as he was. In the car on the way home, he asked his wife, "Hon, how many great preachers do you think there are in the world today?" She smiled lovingly, put her hand on his shoulder and replied, "One fewer than you think, dear."¹ Embarrassment and momentary personal deflation do not equal "humility."

Pride always shows its hideous face when God is not given all the glory and praise. In the contest between Pharaoh and God in Exodus 5 - 14, there is the following indictment of Pharaoh by God through Moses: "How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me" (Exo. 10:3). Herein is what the Lord foreknew about Pharaoh: when Pharaoh was confronted with God's plan for Israel his responses were "Who is the LORD that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD... he hardened his heart and hearkened not unto them... he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart" (Exo. 5:2; 8:15; 9:34).

Humility as revealed in the Bible means willingly and gladly placing ourselves under God's authority and control. It further means acceptance of our inability either to save ourselves from our sinful dilemma or to succeed by ourselves once we are saved by God's grace (Rom. 8:2-4). Again, humility involves agreement with God's Word in His penetrating and complete knowledge of our sins, failures and needs. The very word "confess" (as in 1 John 1:9) means that we agree with God against ourselves. Though King David failed and sinned in some significant ways, what made him a man after God's own heart was his humble agreement with God about his sins, weaknesses and God's righteous judgment (cp. Psa. 51:3-4, "For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest").

Humility is at the core of repentance. As God speaks to us and shows us His righteousness, holiness and mercy, our selfless response of deep sorrow and agreement with Him about our need restores us to a deep and abiding fellowship with Him. "Humble (or 'be humbled') (brought to selfless submission) yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God and he will exalt (lift you up) you in due time" (1 Pet. 5:6). God uses His Word as applied by the Holy Spirit in our lives and circumstances of testing and trials to keep us under His directive control as He develops us in the image and character of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Repentance instead of resistance toward the Lord insures growth in holiness. Moses exemplifies humility when we read in Hebrews 11:24-26—"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of (for) Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward." Exaltation (reward) is coming for those who endure and do so in humility.

When confronted with all the eternal provisions of the Davidic covenant, David responded, "Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house that thou hast brought me thus far?" (2 Sam. 7:18). The humble "Who am I?" in light of who God is, signifies a surrendered saint.

¹ J. David Branon, ODB (Michigan: Radio Bible Class, 1991), May 31.