"God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth."

Matthew 5:5

The funny thing is, the humble are probably not interested in inheriting the earth. Yet in the kingdom of God, things are turned upside down. Those who haven't aspired to personal greatness will be great. And those who have given everything to advance themselves will be brought low.

What helps us to be humble? True humility begins when we're on our knees before God, astounded by his greatness, submitted to his sovereignty, and focused on his glory. The more we experience the majesty of God, the more we will be humble.

Humility also comes as we focus upon God's revelation in Christ, who demonstrated true humility in his earthly life. Jesus, in Matthew 11:29, offered himself as our teacher, explaining that he is "humble and gentle." Philippians 2 emphasizes the humility of Jesus in becoming human and especially in dying on a cross (2:6-8). We are to be humble in imitation of Jesus.

Humility isn't easy, especially in a world that prizes success and self-promotion. To be humble about our accomplishments might even seem like a professional dead end. Don't we have to toot our own horns to get ahead? The world would say yes. But Jesus says, "God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth."

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Would people who know you well say that you're a humble person? Why or why not? What encourages you to be humble? When do you find humility especially difficult?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you humbled yourself more fully than any human being, giving up your divine privileges by becoming human and then giving up your very life by dying on a cross, the most humiliating of deaths.

Yet because you humbled yourself, God highly exalted you, giving you the very name of Lord and calling every knee to bow before you. Humility was your way to glory.

You know, dear Lord, how I struggle to be humble. Sometimes I can think way too much of myself. I can claim my accomplishments as my own, rather than as gifts from your hand. Forgive me, Lord, for my lack of humility.

Help me to focus so consistently on your greatness that I can't help but be humble. Remind me of the example of Christ. May humility be not merely a mask I wear, but a genuine aspect of my character.

All praise be to you, Lord Jesus, because you humbled yourself for our sake. All praise be to you, Lord Jesus, for teaching me to be humble. Amen.

A Note from Mark:

Dear Friends,

I would like to invite you to join me at Laity Lodge this summer. Several of our retreats are full, but some still have room. I will be present at all summer retreats, and will be speaking at the June 5-8 retreat along with Marva Dawn. For more information, check out the Laity Lodge website.

I hope to see you at Laity Lodge!

Mark Roberts