What Does It Mean To Walk Humbly With Our Creator?

Humility is a funny word.

It's the Lord's version of saying 'less is more'

Humility in my mother tongue (Shona) can be translated to two words:

1. Kuzvininipisa, and

2. Mwero

Kuzvinipisa (verb) simply means to lower oneself with the purpose of raising up or considering another person as worthy of honour (above oneself).

Mwero (noun) means 'a right standard', i.e. the right way of doing things - this involves submitting to the right way of doing things instead of your own. One must be humble in order to do so, do you agree? I love this word because it teaches us that we must surrender to our Creator's way of doing things rather than our own. We can only do this when we are humble.

Micah 6.8 puts it this way:

"He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?"

- Amplified Version -

This verse highlights a few important qualities, but today, we will focus on humility.

I unpack this topic in ModBod, a book available to purchase HERE - order your copy on Amazon, and download the complimentary study journal.

Take this beautiful flower, for instance. It was created wonderfully, beautifully - an intricate design by the marvellous Yahweh. Yet, even with it's beauty, it does not need to boast of its extravagance, or shine the light on itself in order for us to see that it is beautiful. We as women are to do the same. After all, Psalm 19 teaches us that creation testifies to God's design, plan and goodness - let's take a moment to allow God to teach us through this flower.

The world carries a different message that opposes what the Word teaches us, one we must steer clear of if we are to walk humbly with the Lord. It may teach us this message in many ways - e.g., by planting insecurity, prompting us to lean towards wanting to feel, look, or be sexier; by us appearing like we have it all together (when we don't) because the media shows us that 'picture perfect' is what's 'in'; getting medical procedures to make us look like what we see on the screen...the list goes on, and it's sooooo exhausting. I don't about you, but it's a lot, and I can't keep up. The world speaks the language of pride - a notion that 'self' is greater than God's plan or design. But God's way of doing things is unlike that of this world.

Jesus teaches us in Matthew 20.26 that, "... whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant...". Instead of finding ways we can make ourselves more attractive or desirable on the outside, would you mind if I challenged you to do this one thing with me instead? Strive to be less - less self-focused, less of what the world tells us to be, and more inclined to raise our fellow brothers and sisters above ourselves. This is what makes us beautiful on the inside. With humility, let's accept the beautiful truth and gift in Psalm

139.14! There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to feel good about ourselves, but when this replaces the satisfaction of knowing we are complete in Jesus, this becomes an idol. And anything that takes the place of God in our hearts will pull us away from Him.

The hard truth I've learned to swallow is that any thought in me or action that follows as a result of me feeling like I can/could have done something better than God is in fact pride. This can be so subtle, e.g. in the way we see ourselves. It can be as me feeling like I have the wrong hair, skin, body, freckles, etc. The 'I wish I was more/less...' statements that flow through our minds at times. Boy, have I been there - many times! Humility in this case can simply look like accepting the simplicity of the Gospel - that God sent His Son to die for us, and that He made us beautifully, no matter how we may feel about ourselves. Humility can also be taking those insecurities to the Lord to heal our hearts instead of doing life the lonely way - acting like we are ok and not in need of healing in our hearts and souls. Here's a tip - the next time you find yourself in front of a mirror, try saying this, "Lord, I thank you for I am fearfully wonderfully made." Gratitude = humility.

The fruit of humility can come in many forms, but the greatest picture of humility comes from Jesus. Knowing full well that He was the Son of God, and that He was God - with all power and authority to command what He wished - He walked in the perfect example of humility whilst on Earth. Here are a few ways that Jesus practised humility.

1. When tempted to use His power to command stones to turn into food (among other temptations), He chose to remain human in that He refused to use His power to get His way. Instead, He submitted to God's will. (Matthew 4.11)

2. He came into the world as a child born in the most humble places, a place where sheep are usually born and animals usually fed. (Luke 2.6-7)

3. He could have come in His full glory, or as the child of a rich person, but instead, He was born to a humble teenager, worked hard as a carpenter, and lived life for 30 years without shouting on the rooftops that He was God. (Read the Gospels)

4. He willed Himself to stay on the cross for 6 whole hours whilst experiencing extreme torment and agony. As God, He could have healed His own flesh, caused Himself not to feel pain, or even avoided the cross altogether. He could have commanded angels to wipe out the people that were against Him. He even refused the vinegar/wine given to Him (which could have dulled His a bit pain). Instead, He chose to feel it all...and He did it for us. He did it for you.

These are only 4 examples - there are countless...some of which we'll never know until we go Home (Heaven). Let's learn from Jesus - dig into the Word for more examples of how He walked in humility with God.

This brings me to my point. What does it mean to walk with the Lord. It is as Micah said..."...be just...love...diligently practice] kindness (compassion)...walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?"

(...humility in deed, heart and in thought.)

So, what does walking humbly with the Lord look like in your world? Write it down. Reflect on it with the Holy Spirit.

I'll leave you with a promise to encourage you on your walk in learning what it's like to walk in humility with God:

James 4.10 "Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]."

- Amplified Version -

Thank you for reading, confident queen. Your humility is more beautiful and more contagious than you know. Go out there, and shine your light (in humility, though - hehe).

God bless, and Jesus loves you.

Pam.

Jeremiah 29.11