A Good Word Wednesday #84 Humble
A little bit of goodness for you each Wednesday
Good Word of the Day: Humble
Allow me to humbly offer you a definition of humility. It is a descriptive word that means, “Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.” That’s what it means. But do you know what it looks like when you see it?
As I thought about this word, I searched to discover what other people thought about humility. I found lists of words that describe a humble person. One list mostly included what a humble person is not: not jealous, not proud or rude, not vain, materialistic or arrogant, not self-serving or self-righteous. They are not judgmental, egotistical or defensive. They do not belittle others. But they are: truthful, see situations through the eyes of others, and know that ‘this too shall pass.’
That list reminds me of this list:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
In other words, to be humble is to demonstrate love. Our greatest example of love is the life of Christ. When He came into the world as a baby, He humbled Himself. I’ve highlighted the passage from Philippians 2 for you below. And one of the last things He did with His disciples before His death was to take the form of a lowly servant and wash their feet. Read it in John 13:1-16.
But I hear you saying, “That was Jesus. I can’t be like Him. He was God.” Yes. Yes He was. Yet, He was also a human and we are to strive to be like Him in our everyday life. Just how do we do that? Let me know what you think.
Here are a few ideas on how to be a humble person:
Realize that you don’t have to be the best at everything. Let someone else shine Then, applaud their actions.
Be aware of your imperfections. It’s ok. We all have them.
Live a life of gratitude and thankfulness.
When you make a mistake, own it.
Be proud of your accomplishments, but do not incessantly brag about them.
Be kind. The world needs more kindness in words and actions.
Let someone know you appreciate them.
Let others go first.
Listen. Go out of your way to see and hear others.
Wednesday in the Word
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:1-8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Share Your Good Words
Good Questions of the Week: How can we practically live a life of humility? What attributes of humble people do you admire the most?
Photo: She Is Safe
Good Unseen People
I have encountered many humble people in my life. I include some of their stories in my upcoming book. I invite you to read more about Unseen People: Sharing Light and Life With Your Neighbors and the Nations. Click the link below to read more on my website. Here is one of those stories about learning how to be humble when you don’t know what to say:
So, what do I say to people who have known persecution, and pain and great personal loss? I still don’t know. But I think I’m learning to listen and know that I don’t have to have answers. But I can offer them the joy I have known in my journey so far.
Read the whole story here: What do I say?
To mark the progress of the book and to give you weekly insights into my writing life, please follow along and watch the videos on This Week in Unseen People. Click the image below to watch the videos on my YouTube channel. Subscribe to my channel while you’re there!
Watch Episode 4 here: This week in Unseen People: Introduction. I share just a few snippets from the book intro.
Good Words I Recommend
A Good Book: The Blessing of Humility, by Jerry Bridges
Another Good Book: Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul, Hannah Anderson
A Good Song: “More Like Jesus” – Passion
More Good Songs: 22 Worship Songs about Humility
A Final Good Word
In our world today, we are in desperate need for humble people. People who serve, listen, share. Are you one of those?
To be humble means to be more like Jesus. How do we do that? My pastor reminds us often that, “There is nothing that can transform your life like time spent in His word.” So true.
The disciplines of Bible study, prayer, corporate and private worship, giving and serving lead us to be like Him. What disciplines do you enjoy most? What do you find most challenging?
Thank you for reading these words. I’m deeply honored to share this time with you each week.
“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. Jeremiah 30:2
I’d love to hear from you. This is your chance to share with me whatever is on your heart today. Please share. I value your thoughts!
Contact me privately: deannalynnsanders@gmail.com.
Please share a good word with someone today.
Gratefully yours,
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I needed those today! And yes, people… gotta love ‘em!
Great list! You, sister, are a beautiful picture of humility. In answer to your question, I find being around people the most challenging and the most rewarding discipline 😊