Chapter 1

Andrew Murray defines humility as acknowledging our true position before God. It is only in this posture that we can truly grow.

We look to Jesus Christ, not only as the perfect example of humility, but as the one who grants us humility. When we have a proper understanding of our place as a created being, and as a sinner, and when we grow in our understanding of the gift of the gospel, the natural result ought to be humility! For when I see how Christ emptied himself, lowered himself, served others, even to death on a cross, for a mere sinner like me, I am humbled. And it is in this "soil [of humility] in which the graces root."

As a Challenge tutor, it is also crucial to acknowledge my position. I am tempted to see myself as the teacher at times, particularly when I am confident in the subject that we are discussing. However, it is important to remember that mom and dad are the teacher and to approach each CC day with humility, both to support that family and to allow God to use me, as an empty vessel, how he wills.

I recently read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein to my kids. Beforehand, I had always seen the book as a story of a bratty child who just keeps taking from the tree. And while the child is ungrateful, I think it is actually a beautiful picture of humility. The tree recognizes and even submits to his position. He is a tree and he sacrifices himself for this child, who might even be described as a sinner, even to the point where he has no life left in him. A picture of Christ. A picture of what we should strive to be to others.

In thinking on humility, I keep coming back to these verses in Philippians. Paul sure knew how to pack a lot into a short chapter! 

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:1-11