This past year, I read a great book on the topic of Humility. It was by one of my favorite theologians and teachers, Dr. Joel Muddamalle. I have learned so much from him, and as I was reading his book “Hidden Peace,” I remember feeling very convicted over each and every word. I approached that book thinking that I already knew the secret to humility, only to find that I was actually presenting a form of “false humility” at times to make myself look better.
I felt the same conviction as I heard Pastor Jason speak on that false humility this Sunday. He made it a point to share that humility is often just honesty….the art of being real with others when it’s easier to hide and put on a false appearance.
As I went home and thought about this concept of false humility, the Holy Spirit convicted me with this thought: I am actually really good at faking humility.
I know the right “Christian” words to say to appear humble. I know this is a trait that God desires in us, and I also know that other Christians value humility…so I am often quick to speak that way with my words. But where is my heart? What are the motivations happening behind the scenes?
This week in Women’s Bible Study we looked at the story of Cain and Abel. Cain ultimately kills his brother out of the selfish desires and murder that started in his own heart.
But the most unsettling part of the story is actually when God confronts Cain. He says, “Where is your brother?” and gives Cain a chance to own up to his sin.
Sadly, there is no humility there, and Cain comes back with a jaded answer of, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9).
The heart-wrenching part of this story is that Cain had a chance to make things right with God…and doing that required a true sense of humility…not a fake one. If Cain were to try to appear humble, God would have seen right through to his heart. The true state of our heart is something God will always see and be aware of. For Cain, true humility just wasn’t there.
Here are some questions I am asking myself as I face my own struggles in humility:
1. Am I doing this out of a pure intention to serve God, or is there something in it here for me?
2. Whose opinion am I most concerned about in this very moment? God’s, or people’s?
3. What is my goal here in this situation…does the end result glorify God, or me?
Asking these questions will ultimately help us reflect and move into a place of true humility. If we find out that our flesh is driving the train, let’s take a step back and reevaluate our words and our actions. We can ask God to move through us with His Spirit, so we can stop operating in the desires of the flesh. It takes a courageous act of laying down our life to truly pick up the cross and follow Him. Let’s lead with true humility, because that is exactly where God wants us to be.
“In the same way a gardener may walk into her garden and check on the plants and soil, we need to keep checking on the soil of our hearts. Self-awareness connected to our awareness of God will help us continually return to a posture of humility.”
- The Hidden Peace, Dr. Joel Muddamalle
I felt the same conviction as I heard Pastor Jason speak on that false humility this Sunday. He made it a point to share that humility is often just honesty….the art of being real with others when it’s easier to hide and put on a false appearance.
As I went home and thought about this concept of false humility, the Holy Spirit convicted me with this thought: I am actually really good at faking humility.
I know the right “Christian” words to say to appear humble. I know this is a trait that God desires in us, and I also know that other Christians value humility…so I am often quick to speak that way with my words. But where is my heart? What are the motivations happening behind the scenes?
This week in Women’s Bible Study we looked at the story of Cain and Abel. Cain ultimately kills his brother out of the selfish desires and murder that started in his own heart.
But the most unsettling part of the story is actually when God confronts Cain. He says, “Where is your brother?” and gives Cain a chance to own up to his sin.
Sadly, there is no humility there, and Cain comes back with a jaded answer of, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9).
The heart-wrenching part of this story is that Cain had a chance to make things right with God…and doing that required a true sense of humility…not a fake one. If Cain were to try to appear humble, God would have seen right through to his heart. The true state of our heart is something God will always see and be aware of. For Cain, true humility just wasn’t there.
Here are some questions I am asking myself as I face my own struggles in humility:
1. Am I doing this out of a pure intention to serve God, or is there something in it here for me?
2. Whose opinion am I most concerned about in this very moment? God’s, or people’s?
3. What is my goal here in this situation…does the end result glorify God, or me?
Asking these questions will ultimately help us reflect and move into a place of true humility. If we find out that our flesh is driving the train, let’s take a step back and reevaluate our words and our actions. We can ask God to move through us with His Spirit, so we can stop operating in the desires of the flesh. It takes a courageous act of laying down our life to truly pick up the cross and follow Him. Let’s lead with true humility, because that is exactly where God wants us to be.
“In the same way a gardener may walk into her garden and check on the plants and soil, we need to keep checking on the soil of our hearts. Self-awareness connected to our awareness of God will help us continually return to a posture of humility.”
- The Hidden Peace, Dr. Joel Muddamalle
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.