Humility

“Smallness adores and adorns itself; Greatness is always humble.”

Diogenes a greek philosopher said

“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.”

Education in youth is the basis for the life of a human being. Whatever the situation and wherever he might be in his life education what he learned is the base and guidance for him.

But for the chirstianinty as a christians we are taught/given in two different educations

First – We are educated to live according to our God, or We are educated to live a life like Jesus or to be a follower of Jesus.
Secondly – We are taught to live according to the worldly human construction of life or we are educated to coordinate with the worldly life.

But as per christianity it is very necessary for a christian to be educated in the ways of God.

So in this christian education Humility is one of the very important lessons which is taught to us and reminded every time from childhood till our death.

Lets see about this “Humility – Character of Christianity”.

1 Peter 5 : 5 – 11
5. In the same way, you who are younger must be subject to the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.
7. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
8. Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.
9. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
10. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
11. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

In this chapter Peter advises the christian youngsters, where he particularly mentions a very important advice to obey their elders and to clothe themself with humility when dealing with one another.

When we look closely at this chapter we get a question – why does Peter particularly mention humility ? Why ? Why does he give importance to humility ? There are many things to teach youngsters but why humility ?

And not only these but we think what is humility ? Why does Peter give such importance ? Is only Peter or any other Apostles giving importance to humility ?

We would think, Yes Ephesians 3 : 7 – 9

7. Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power.
8. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ
9. and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,

Here Paul humbles himself to the very least of all saints. But the same Paul said Galatians 3: 28

28 There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

If “For all are one in Christ” why did he humble himself before God ?

Why ?

The answer is Micah 6:8

8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?
God expects humans to walk humbly, from the old testament onwards God expects humans to walk humbly before him.

This is why Jesus showed humility in his life as an example for us.

Till date christians are taught to be followers of Jesus or to live a life with the prototype of Jesus’ life.

This is the necessity of humility. That’s why Peter insists on humility and mentions it in his letter.

Thirukkural 978
“Smallness adores and adorns itself; Greatness is always humble.”
Am not sure whether Thiruvalluvar said this kural with understanding or not.

But How great, magnificent and majestic God is our Lord. In him there is humbleness. If in himself there is humility. How are we ?

That’s what Jesus said in Matthew 11:29,30

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart.

Matthew 20:25 – 28

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.

God sent his Son to serve human beings. Jesus is the best example to show that there is humility in God’s Majesty.

This is humility.

Humility is not something which is bought from others but it’s something that should be shown/given to others.

James 3:13

13 Who is wise and knowledgeable among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.

John the Baptist is the best example for this verse. John was a saint who was sent by God to prepare the way of Jesus. But he had the majesty to give baptism to Jesus which was given by God.

But humility is the result of his wisdom John 3: 27-30 John the Baptist said “He must increase, but I must decrease.” and humbled himself from his glory what God has given him.

So when we pray we should say that “He must increase” in whatever the work we do, wherever we go. Let’s live a life of Wise and Knowledge.

Amen