A. S. HUTCHINS by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 30, 1873

A. S. HUTCHINS

By A. S. Hutchins

Humility.

It is far more natural for the fallen sons of man to cultivate a spirit of pride than to cherish a spirit of humility. Yet to enjoy the favor of God as it is the privilege of his children, and to be brought to that honor with which he will finally honor the overcomer, we must be free from pride, and be “clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”

“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.” “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” “Better is it to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”

The Saviour taught his disciples the necessity of humility when he took a little child and set it in their midst, and said unto them, “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. 18:4.

The Saviour was a pattern of true humility in all his life and sufferings. Though enjoying the presence of the Father and the holy angels, he “took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

As we desire honor, communion with God, and life in the kingdom of Heaven, may we all cultivate the virtue of humility: then may we heed the exhortation to walk “with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Eph. 4:2, 3.