The Humility Fallacy

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit -- just as you were called to one hope when you were called -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:1-6

Self-promotion and ego. False humility and pride. Self-esteem and self-deprecation. We have been taught that "pride" is the root of all sins. Yet pride still rears its ugly head as we compare ourselves to others. We seek validation by what other people say. Humility is lost the moment we declare "pride has been conquered.” Leaders shamelessly boast about who they are, what they’ve done and how their ideas will change the world. (They even create their own websites and blogs to espouse their ideas :))Mini-empires are built as God looks on.

What is it to be "completely humble"? I have often chuckled while reading the words that Moses wrote about himself in Numbers 12:3 “Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” I’m not questioning the truth of Scripture, but I can’t help but see some irony in the statement.

Is humility a flagellation of oneself over the past and the present? Is it craving compliments yet outwardly rejecting them?

I liked the conclusion we came to today. Humility is the state of having a proper view of oneself. Someone else defined it this way: Humility is having a true view of who God says you are.

The above passage in Ephesians is preceded by three chapters that define who we are, what we’re worth, what we’re created for and who we belong to. Knowing these things keep us humble. They help me be at peace as I cease from striving to please everyone. It puts “me” into perspective as one of God’s children while giving me a greater view of others. It allows me to be obedient and to do my best without it becoming a boast. In Christ I find peace, patience, hope and faith. These come from knowing where my address is.