This character trait
- is precious but not coveted by the world;
- is such that if you think you have it, you don’t;
- has value that stems from a lowliness that is divine and admirable;
- is a precondition for many other admirable qualities like teachability, compassion, etc.; and
- appears weak but has inner strength and resilience.
Brothers and sisters, I am talking about the character trait of spiritual humility. What then is spiritual humility?
Isaiah 57:15 says, ‘For this is what the high and exalted One says- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”’
A spiritually humble person is in love with and aware of our loving God. This empowers him to love other people because they are created and loved by God.
A spiritually humble person recognises that he is not self-sufficient. Instead, he depends on God for everything. This includes his life, salvation, future, family, friends, talents and gifts. He is aware that God has given him everything, so he is the owner of nothing.
Furthermore, his reverence for God is not dependent on what God has given him but on who God is, particularly His love, mercy and perfect justice which transcend human understanding.
How then do we become spiritually humble? Well, by obeying, following and learning from our Lord and God, Jesus, whose humility exudes love and righteousness. In fact, Jesus has said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
Brothers and sisters, I am a very long way from being a paragon of humility. Each day, the Lord is honing, correcting and disciplining me as I journey in life with Him.
But like a star in a constellation, I am accompanied by many, and together, we provide mutual support to each other until the journey is completed.
As ORPC celebrates its 167th anniversary today, may we continue with life’s journey as a church, ever humbly submitting ourselves to the guidance and direction of our loving, wise and divine Shepherd.