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Bearing Christ’s fruit is essential for a believer. How can Christians, who lack godly living and a genuine spiritual rebirth, live up to the Sermon on the Mount’s description of being the salt and light? The answer is they cannot. 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 the characteristic of humility.
Peter taught: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6)
Paul wrote: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:12-13).
Humility is biblically defined as “the quality of not regarding oneself more highly than one should, nor being excessively concerned about one’s welfare or reputation.”[i]
The prime example of humility is the Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered for the sake of His sheep. Likewise, church leaders are well aware that they are called to live peaceful lives centered on humility. This is a recurring theme in Paul’s teachings.
While the concept is relatively simple, the ability to place oneself aside is contrary to the flesh and human nature of mankind. Every soul is guilty of selfish behavior and pursuing self-seeking ambitions. The Scriptures share the story of Peter denying the Lord not once, but three times. Judas, too, acting in his own self-interest, betrayed Jesus. Jonah, in greedy disobedience, initially neglected to head to Nineveh, ignoring God.
Paul’s teachings of the flesh (sin) traits versus those of the Spirit underline the difficulties of humbling oneself.
Mankind clearly disobeys God, each following their 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 of the Scriptures:
“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” (Matthew 22:37-39).
Bearing the fruit of humility produces a mannerism noticeable to strangers and unbelievers alike.
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. While challenging to maintain, it accentuates the love, salvation, and grace of the Lord.
Displaying godly living, including a humble soul, glorifies the Lord. It reinforces the process of authentic sanctification, restrains the darkness of the flesh, and serves as a heavenly attribute in evangelistic efforts. We are all selfish by nature, yet through Jesus Christ, we can conquer this sin and honor our Redeemer in our daily lives.
[i] Millard J. Erickson, The Concise Dictionary of Christian Theology, (Wheaton: Crossway), 94.