Virtues of March: Humility

Virtues of March: Humility
Author's Character Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10)

Sometimes I'm tempted to list a passel of scriptures and leave it at that. Do you know what happens behind the "screen" over here as I bring up these virtues? (Like when I recently discussed patience? Remember that dog we talked about? 'nuff said.) *grin*

But, humility is key in regards to a Christian author's character. So, let's dig in.

Jesus gives us an example by demonstrating humility Himself.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
(Phil. 2:3-8, NLT)

Humility lets you be yourself—a marvelous, one-of-a-kind creation of God.

Humility insists you walk out your calling and use your gifts, without apology and without pride.

Humility boldly represents God, knowing rightly our position: we are God's ambassadors in the world.

Humility has nothing to prove.

Humility doesn't strive for attention or compliments.

Humility is content to work behind the scenes and never be noticed.

Humility looks to God for acceptance and approval. He’s the Audience of One.

Humility partners with peace and rest.

Humility protects us from the fall pride brings.

Humility receives compliments graciously because humility embraces truth without impure motives.

Now, let’s consider humility’s antonym: pride.

Here’s a verse that can help keep our minds from skipping merrily after vain thoughts:

For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:7)

We’ll stave off vain imaginations by remembering we need God’s grace as writers—both to write well (craft study still required) and for open doors. Thankfully, God ties humility and grace together with a promise:

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

After studying this today, I could use that grace God's speaking of. How about you? Let's be intentional about this one. It's all part of cooperating as God's works on His authors' characters.