Psalm 113:4-6 The Lord is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, Who is enthroned on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth?
Perhaps one aspect of God’s nature that is often overlooked is His humility. Sure, we talk of Jesus humbling Himself and coming to earth as a man –as a servant (Philippians 2;5-8); but, in relation to the Trinity as a whole, maybe not so much. The one essential element of God’s character that is probably considered the most is love. While love is a separate lesson, keep in mind that love is humble and looks to the welfare of others (read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7). People may humble themselves out of fear or terror, which is a form of humiliation, but God never does. Out of love He humbles Himself. Yes, that’s a present tense statement. Because He deeply loves us, He maintains His humility whereby He actually serves us, and even acquiesces to our desires on numerous occasions. Have you ever had your prayer(s) answered?
Humility is more outward focused than inward. It makes room for others and allows them to succeed without the need for recognition. In fact, it encourages their success! Even while we are called to praise and worship God, it is not to fulfill some need He has –He’s not egotistical. It really benefits us because it places our relationship with Him in proper perspective. Consider this: humility knows its Source; nonetheless, God is the Source, yet He humbles Himself for our benefit. He knows He is the Source, which teaches us that humility has an honest assessment of itself; unlike humanity’s false humility, which is a cloak to hide pride and arrogance. Jesus said, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of Whom you say, ‘He is our God’; and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word” (John 8:54-55). Did you see that? Jesus said if He said He did not know the Father, He’d be liar. To say God is my Father is not arrogance, it’s the truth. He’s our Father because Jesus humbled Himself for Abba’s (Daddy’s –Father’s) sake and ours!
Humility recognizes the position of others, and holds it in honor. It does not scoff at it. When we humble ourselves before God, He exalts us –He raises us up (see James 4:10). Again, humbling ourselves is an act of worship which does benefit us. It reveals both the fear of the Lord and our love for Him. Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4). If you don’t humble yourself, you’re not fit for the Kingdom. Remember, before God asked you to humble yourself, He humbled Himself first; This is another thing worth considering: His humility does not demand you to humble yourself. You have a choice in the matter –at least for now. For the moment, at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess He is Lord. Later, however, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess He is Lord (see Philippians 2:8-11; Romans 14:11). Lack of humility is wrapped in self-deception which leads to self-destruction. God’s humility makes room for our will; otherwise, you would have no decisions and choices. You would be a robot that has neither of them. Think about it!
