I’ve watched those who look a lot like Jesus to me and those who are, in John Eldredge’s words, just “posers.” I suppose there are a lot reasons for the difference between the two groups. Two of the most fundamental factors are a hunger for more of God and a basic humility. Here’s a great quote from “The Seeking Heart” by Fenelon:
“The most important thing is humility. Humility gives you a teachable spirit that makes everything easier.
Consider the life of Jesus. He was born in a stable. He had to flee to Egypt. He worked 30 years in the shop of a craftsman. He suffered hunger, thirst and fatigue. He was poor and He was ridiculed. He taught the doctrine of heaven and no one listened to him. He was treated like a slave, betrayed, and died between two thieves. Jesus’ life was full of humiliation, but we are horrified by the slightest humiliation.
How do you expect to know Jesus if you do not see Him where He was found: in suffering and the cross. You must imitate Him. But do not think you can follow Him in your own strength – you are going to have to find all your strength in Him. Remember that Jesus wants to feel all your weaknesses.”
That runs counter to everything society seems to teach us. Richard Rohr distinguishes between the false self and the true self. Those who don’t need to defend themselves, who don’t struggle with identity crises, who have found the secret of contentment, have come to peace with who they really are.
To become like Christ, we need to find ways to humble ourselves. By serving others, by putting the needs of others first, we posture ourselves to grow, and paradoxically to begin discovering the secret of abundant living.
Great blogs…
its finals season, so i dont have time to respond at length. but i wanted to share something i recently read that touch upon this point of humility.
THough Christ’s life and the cross do model a life of humility, for people living in the margins of society, this model has resulted in the legitimation of their state of suffering. (i.e.”its fine that poor people suffer because they will, in the end, experience salvation, etc.” such BS) Anyways, this author argues that it is important to remember the many accounts of liberation that have taken place through the ministry of JEsus and that these numerous instances show that along with much summer, there is much liberation during the life of Christ.
In brief, though i believe that the West could learn a thing or two about humility, the “rest” needs to be reminded that CHrist also modeled liberation (not only spiritually) for the oppressed and those living in the margins today have every right to this.
I don’t know if we can humble ourselves? This is something that I wrestle with. I want to humbly serve him, but I don’t think that I can become humble by trying to be.
By seeking to imitate Jesus and truly opening our hearts to his word and the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives…I think that true humility is a “by-product” or “fruit” of becoming a servant of all. I hope I am making sense here?
Thanks for the reminder, Seth.
Thanks, Seth!
So, humilty can and needs to be practiced – as that is imitating Christ. Being seen as “humble” is a reflection of the humility that lies at the core of who we are and how we live our lives….
its nyc corz der r a lot of student o know wat is the meaning of humility..and we need to bhe know of wer doing..hmMm..i cant undrstan..we need to knw pon how to be a good istudent and to know on how to be clean student..in bieng the student………..that!!!ol tenchu..
thanks for information…
it is really useful…
THANK U SETH
So humility can also brings unity into a society. Jesus unite His disciples as one followers.