p. 18 | HUMILITY by F. E. Bowen

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 13, 1888

HUMILITY.

By F. E. Bowen

MUCH is said concerning meekness and true humility all through both Old and New Testaments. The Saviour himself gave many lessons upon this important subject. He first set us an example when he besought his Father to let him suffer death in man's stead. God, through his Son, had created all things; and the Son stood next to the great I AM. "Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him." Col. 1: 15, 16.

All things were created for him. Every creature that fails to worship and praise the Son, dishonors the Father, and entirely loses sight of the object for which he was created. As we meditate upon the wonderful love the Saviour manifested for us when he left the royal courts above and came to this world, our hearts ought to flow out to him in tender love and grateful praise.

Unless we feel our dependence, and, like the publican, come before the Lord with humility of heart, we shall never be heard of him. The prophet Micah describes the manner in which we should appear before the Lord, and what he requires of us: "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Peter, in speaking of our duty, says: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you

in due time." "Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."

It is God's plan that this work of humiliation should be done by ourselves. But in case we fail, he, in mercy, permits afflictions to come until we feel our dependence and can come unto him with true humility of heart. When Job, after his afflictions, came to realize his unworthiness before God, he exclaims, "Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." Job 42:6. Lest Paul, through abundance of revelations, should become exalted, God placed a thorn in his flesh that would help him to realize his own weakness.

The disciples, at one time, were perplexed to know which one of them should receive the greatest honor in Christ's kingdom. To teach them that this spirit of desiring the supremacy must be overcome, the Saviour took a meek child and placing it in their midst, said: "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven."

Do we have trouble at home or in the church? If so, someone is lacking this child-like humility. When we think our rights are trampled upon and our reputation injured, the natural heart at once rises up for revenge. But the thoroughly converted man will exercise a meek, forgiving spirit toward the offender. Before we are able to forgive, we necessarily have to humble ourselves, lowering behind the pride and ambition which prompt us to contend so earnestly for our rights.

Oh, that we might get some of the humble spirit which our precious Redeemer possessed! "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and 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 [again], and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Phil. 2:6-8.

This same Jesus, who so humbled himself, will soon come seated upon his righteous throne with great power and glory. Then every knee will bow and every tongue confess his name. But in awful bitterness of soul they realize that it is too late. The time they should have been confessing their sins and humiliating themselves before God, was spent selfishly seeking their own pleasure, and now the door of mercy is forever closed.

Meekness does not flow naturally from the carnal heart. It must be earnestly sought for. "Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness; it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger." Zeph. 2:3. F. E. BOWEN.