0451. 444. Humility

444. Humility

The Queen of Graces

Humility is the queen of graces. It does not seek the throne of eminence, but the throne is adorned by it. The excellence of humility is illustrated in the following Scriptures. Humility is—

1. The Soul of Contentment. It feels it does not deserve anything, therefore takes with gratitude whatever comes—Php_4:12. It ever sings, “O to grace how great a debtor!”

2. Flower of Grace—Eph_4:2. Humility walks consistently, loves generously, serves willingly, acts meekly, forgives heartily, forbears thoughtfully, and responds obediently.

3. Secret of Service—Act_20:19. To serve the Lord with all humility of mind is to have the bloom of consecration, the aroma of grace, the unction of love, the warmth of zeal, the ardour of faith, the walk of obedience, and the beauty of holiness.

4. Badge of Obedience. The Lord’s command is, “Humble yourselves” (1Pe_5:6), and it is not without meaning that it is to be “under the mighty hand of God.” We only know the mightiness of God’s hand when we lie low beneath it.

5. Lesson of Grace. When we are yoked with Christ in God’s will we are in the position to learn of Christ, who is “meek” and “lowly in heart” (Mat_11:29). To talk about humility is to show we do not possess it, but to keep step with Christ is to have it without knowing it.

6. Mind of Lowliness. “In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Php_2:3). To see the best in others is to find the worst in ourselves. Self-contemplation leads to self-congratulation, and that always genders pride.

7. Example of Christ. The mind of Christ is illustrated in that He “humbled Himself” (Php_2:8). The three commands of Christ: “Believe in Me,” “Abide in Me,” and “Follow Me,” follow each other. He went down before He was raised up, so we need to pray: “Help us, O Lord, to deeper sink, that we may the higher rise.” The downward path is the upward one.

8. Livery of Heaven. “Be clothed with humility” (1Pe_5:5). This is a suit that is always in fashion; it never wears out, and it is always becoming. Humility is recognised by men, admired by angels, and appreciated by God.

9. Securer of Blessing. “He giveth more grace to the humble” (Jas_4:6), or as the margin, “A greater grace.” Whether an excelling grace, or “more” of the grace that excels, humility is its own reward, and is rewarded by the Lord’s commendation.

10. Harbinger of Reward. “He that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Mat_23:12). The heavier the cargo, the more the vessel is sunk into the water, and the greater its worth. When the fruit of humility causes the branch of the soul to bend in lowliness, the Heavenly Gardener plucks the fruit for the garner of His love.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH