Wearing Humility
/“Who are you wearing?”
A famous phrase asked of celebrities on red carpet appearances. Givenchy, Ralph Lauren, Versace, Dior…the list goes on. Beautifully curated looks that are meant to set an individual apart from the rest. Who will get named “best dressed” is often the goal. For others, they look to create shock and awe, or a media frenzy.
The creative in me loves seeing the beatuiful work of talented designers. Some jaw dropping looks that most of us will never have the privilage to wear. *Sigh* Yet, there is a knowing that resides deep within me that this self promoting life of luxury ultimately will not satisfy anyone.
This here is what is truly rare and of value…
“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.” Colossions 3:12
The mark of true beauty is humility. While humility isn’t an easy virtue to practice, it is the “set apart” quality of someone surrendered to Christ.
When we watch the life of Jesus in the Bible, we see the purest example of true humility.
“He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” - Phillipians 2:8
Now we all know that Jesus was not a criminal, yet those around him who persecuted and scoffed at him treated him as such. Jesus could have risen up in all of the strength and power of God and put people in their place. Yet he chose humility. He didn’t fight back. He didn’t fight for influence or power. Rather, he submitted himself to the Father. Phillipians goes on…
“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father” - Phillipians 2:9-11
Loved ones, there is no greater example of the exchange that the Lord offers us in practicing humility. When we submit our lives and circumstances to the Lord, He is good and faithful to return to us that which is rare and beautifully curated. It’s the currency of Heaven.
This is not how the world operates. Humanity at its core is very self centric. A person navigating life outside of relationship to God will undoubtedly self preserve. We can try on “hats” that appear like humility - yet the essence of true humility is a dying to self and having a surrendered heart to Jesus.
I’ve been focused a lot lately on what it means to fear the Lord. I think this term can seem bewildering to some because it contains the word “fear” and it might feel like God is out to get us. Ha! The opposite couldn’t be more true.
The Bible says that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” - Proverbs 9:10
The word “fear” in this context isn’t referring to dread or being afraid of something or someone. Rather it invokes awe and reverence. It places God on the throne of our hearts, in the place where we recognize His leadership over our lives and trust every outcome to Him.
Placing Him on the throne as King requires us to clothe oursleves in the garment of humilty.
“The problem with self promotion is that we obtain things we cannot sustain. But when we humble ourselves, God exalts us at the right time. His promotion comes with a mantle and an anointing to complete the mission.” - Kris Vallotton
Amen.
Mic Drop.