HUMILITY

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 2, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 14.

If there is one grace above another that commends the true Christian it is that of humility. By this we do not mean servility, which is often mistaken for humility. True humility is lowliness, including meekness and modesty. It is opposed to pride, haughtiness, arrogance, assumption. The truly humble man has seen God; therefore he possesses a low opinion of his own merit, and a deep sense of his unworthiness in God’s sight. He will never be boasting of his accomplishments, his possessions, his deeds, or his opinions.

Humility lies at the very foundation of Christian character. “Lowliness is the base of every virtue, and he who goes the lowest, builds the safest.” Its root, its substratum, is the fear of the Lord, and “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It will therefore learn of God and earnestly seek his instruction and holiness, but ever humbly; for God is infinite, and man is finite.

Christian humility is not servile. It does not submit to men’s opinions. It may not combat them; it may not oppose them except in modesty; it will not proudly boast that it knows a better way; but it will stand in its loyalty to God, and give to Him all the glory.

Knowing the fallibility of the human, the humble man depends on God. Knowing the falsity of an uninstructed conscience, he depends on God’s unfailing Word. Knowing his own sin, he depends on the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. Knowing his own weakness, he earnestly and constantly seeks God for strength.

If there is one grace more than another to be admired in a young man or young woman, it is humility, true modesty. Its adorning is more beautiful than that of gold or gems or costly array. It will commend one to every honorable man of business, when the “Smart Aleck,” the “Know-it-all,” is passed by.

“Before honor is humility;” “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up;” “He that humbleth himself shall be exalted,” and “every one that exalteth himself shall be abased,” are all expressions of Holy Writ.

“God hath sworn to lift on high, Who sinks himself by true humility.”

Humility is not natural to the carnal heart. But it is easy to acquire it and easy to keep it if we will do but one thing, and that is keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ. Spurgeon has well said, “The higher a man is in grace, the lower he will be in his own esteem.”

“Nearest the throne itself must be The footstool of humility.”