One prominent religious leader said: “If you don’t feel humble but wish to become humble then try faking humility.” Wonderful advice: “If you can’t make it, fake it.” Paul also warns that human traditions, teachings, rituals, and penance, could have an appearance of wisdom but is an expression of false humility. (Colossians 2:23) False humility is self-centered, insincere, and hypocritical. It is not selflessness, but a cunning display of self-interest. Both Fake humility and False humility are abominations before God.
Attribute of God: The Son of God described himself as meek and humble. (Matthew 11:29) Paul writes that the Lord Jesus, though co-equal with God, chose to humble to become human and die a violent death to redeem humanity. (Philippians 2:6-11) Sovereign, almighty, majestic, holy, and self-existing God shows humility by identifying, loving, and forgiving sinful humans.
An attitude of a disciple: The Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated and taught his disciples the virtue of humility. While religious leaders demand disciples to wash their feet in many cultures, and even charge devotees for the same; the Lord washed the feet of his disciples. (John 13:1-17) The Lord demonstrated the virtue of humility and did not fake humility. Andrew Murray writes: “Humility is the only soil in which virtue takes root; a lack of humility is the explanation of every defect and failure. “
Altitude to climb: Humility is not a natural virtue or trait of humans. It is hard work and is like climbing a steep mountain. Disobedience, pride, and rebellion are in the core self of all humans. Hence, to be humble is beyond comprehension for many.
Recipient of grace: God gives grace only to the humble. He resists the proud. (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6) Even when wicked people humble themselves, they receive God’s mercy. A good example is the wicked king Manasseh received God’s mercy. (II Chronicles 33:12-13) The city of Nineveh was spared because from king to slave all fasted and humbled before God. The king was clothed with sackcloth, sat on ashes, and expressed humility before God. (Jonah 3:6-8)
Am I humble before God and people?