Humility Part Three by Ps Michael Podhaczky

As we conclude our brief look into humility, I think that Andrew Murray described it well when he said:

“Christ is the humility of God embodied in human nature; the Eternal Love humbling itself, clothing itself in the garb of meekness and gentleness, to win and serve and save us.”[1]

Paul encouraged Christ-followers to live as Christ in Rom 12:9-21.

“See, be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly (humble). Do not be wise in your own estimation” (Rom 12:16 NASB).

Peter also encouraged the early Christ-followers how to live in 1 Peter 5:1-11.

⁵ “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Pet 5:5-6 NASB).

A great story on this matter of humility and pride is called ‘The parable of the two pockets’ and comes from the story of Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Pzhysha in Poland from the 1700s.

“The parable begins with two slips of paper. On one slip is written, ‘I am but dust and ashes.’ On the other slip is written, ‘For my sake, the world was created.’ These two slips of paper are meant to be carried around in two pockets.

Rabbi Bunim said, ‘Everyone must have two pockets, with a note in each pocket, so that he or she can reach into the one or the other, depending on the need. When feeling lowly and depressed discouraged or disconsolate, one should reach into the right pocket, and, there, find the words: “For my sake was the world created.” But when feeling high and mighty one should reach into the left pocket, and find the words: “I am but dust and ashes.”’”[2]

Are you proud to think that you are humble? That is called humble brag. So, we all may have a way to go yet, because of our pride. But

“Humility is an old remedy for what ends up being the oldest (only?) sin…pride.”[3]

Pause in His presence for a moment and think this over…

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[1] Murray, Andrew. Humility. (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, n.d.), 17.

[2] “Two Pockets (or, a lesson in how we see ourselves).” http://artofholiness.com/2017/01/07/two-pockets-or-a-lesson-in-how-we-see-ourselves/ (18^th December 2017).

[3] “Ten 21st-Century Sins (and One Remedy).” http://artofholiness.com/2016/12/10/ten-21st-century-sins-and-one-remedy/ (18^th December 2017).