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Bearing the fruit of Christ is a foundational tenet of the believer’s life. However, it is not to produce good works, but to shine the light of Christ.
Referencing the Sermon on the Mount, how can Christians be the salt and light of the world if they do not possess qualities of godly living, signifying a genuine regeneration of the soul, centered on Jesus Christ? The answer is simple: the regenerated soul in Christ must remain faithful to the Lord in both word and spirit. One of the traits Christians are constantly taught to embody is humility.
The Proverbs declare: “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:3–4).
Paul wrote, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
The Apostle Peter taught, “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:5–6).
Humility is the quality of not thinking more highly of oneself, recognizing one’s dependence upon God, and placing His glory above one’s own reputation or welfare.
While the concept of exercising humility is relatively simple, the ability to place oneself aside is contrary to the flesh and the fallen nature of mankind. Every soul is guilty of selfish behavior and of pursuing self-seeking ambitions.
The Scriptures recount Peter denying the Lord not once, but three times. Judas, too, acting in his own self-interest, betrayed Jesus. And Jonah, in disobedience, initially ignored God by heading away from Nineveh. Selfishness is a real recurring problem.
Mankind clearly disobeys God, each following his own passions and desires (Romans 3:10–11). Though the blemish of the Fall and sin lies deep inside each soul, there is hope in Jesus Christ. Thankfully, the Spirit guides those who are in Christ (Galatians 5:22–23). However, the stain of selfishness and pride can frequent our daily lives, and if uncontrolled, such self-admiration leads to a life lived contrary to the Greatest Commandment:
“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets’” (Matthew 22:37–40).
Bearing the fruit of humility produces a mannerism noticeable to strangers and unbelievers alike. How often do we hear of a fellow neighbor, colleague, or extended friend being labeled as a “good person”? Embracing humility undoubtedly connects to such a label.
Genuine humility is the complete opposite of every person’s natural being; however, it is perhaps one of the most magnificent traits of a believer’s conversion. Although difficult to maintain, it emphasizes the Lord’s love, salvation and grace.
Displaying godly living, including a humble soul, glorifies the Lord. It reinforces the process of authentic sanctification, restrains the flesh’s darkness, and serves as a heavenly attribute in evangelistic efforts. Sadly, we all suffer from the sin of selfishness, but thanks to Jesus Christ, we can suppress such ungodliness and exalt Him who redeems us in our daily living and affairs.
Using the Greatest Commandment and the Great Commission alike will not only demand that the believer practice humility but also place it at the center of the heart.
