BradHoffmann.com

Humility is both a vital and valiant act. It is a decision, an action, utter dependence, a willing subjection, and complete surrender. Merriam-Webster defines humility as a state of being humble. Humility is a foreign and sometimes illusive state. It’s intentional – it doesn’t just happen. James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Humbling oneself is a declarative action and here in James it is an imperative command. You choose humility and its state. Here’s the unique character of humility. When you seek humility, God lifts up. Yet, when we try to lift ourselves, then we are brought lower in a forced rather than volunteered humility. The funny part about residing in humility – you’re not concerned about being lifted up because it’s not your pre-occupation. In humility one becomes consumed and absorbed by God’s will, plan, and direction. The direct result of humility is a lifting. The result of prideful lifting is God’s lowering. Matthew 23:12 states, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Again, it is in humility that God lifts. Never seek self-lifting or self-exalting, choose humility. Be ever on guard for the allure of pride – the temptation to self-lift and self-promote. Instead of lifting oneself up, the empowerment we actually desire is found in the state of humility.