Humility
Sharon W. Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4).
Dear Friends,
Every January, friends start sharing their word for the year. As I considered this practice, I prayerfully decided on “humility” as my word. I did so with fear because I know how my pride steals joy and is a root sin in my heart. What circumstances might require great humility – a killing of my pride? How would the choice of this word better equip and enable me to respond with grace and dependence on the Lord for strength and wisdom in those hurtful places?
When I look back over that year of facing pride with the reminder of having the same mind as Jesus, putting others before me, I’m grateful for the Lord leading me to choose “humility” as my word. I’m 73 years old, and the Lord ferreted out those seeds as well as weeds that stood in the way of me experiencing the grace God gives the humble. He also readied me for painful places requiring a quiet spirit and confidence in His ability to handle circumstances outside of my control. Though challenging my natural inclination to try to intervene and fix the problems of loved ones, choosing humility, and dependence on Him freed me in ways I never expected.
This week Barbaranne reminds us of the call to humility in Philippians 2. She says:
“….humility is defined, in part, as “a readiness to forget oneself and to exalt others.” Frankly, I’m pretty forgetful, but one thing I rarely forget is myself. And when I humble myself, I haven’t very far to stoop. When I humble myself, it’s often from a notion of who I am which may, honestly, be more inflated than factual. Paul tells us that we must think of others as more significant than ourselves because we naturally think rather more highly of ourselves—and lower of others—than we ought. So when I aim to humble myself to exalt another, I must first overcome my innate tendency to grasp more tightly to the exalted notions of myself—notions of my own status, reputation, power, or comfort—which inhabit my mind and heart. Jesus didn’t have this problem.”
Humility: a word that challenges me every day to forget myself and exalt others. Friends, at first, accepting this challenge feels strange and is extremely hard. But just as our muscles learn new ways of reacting, so, too, the more we choose humility through God’s strength, the more aware we will be of the opportunities to choose humility over pride.
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
More free resources for help hope & healing:
In His Grip is the preaching and teaching ministry of Dr. Chuck F. Betters from almost fifty years in church ministry. This month’s featured series is: From Misery to Mercy to Ministry with Dr. Chuck Betters
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Sunday, 14 May 2023.
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