The Heart of Humility

Based on 2 Samuel 19-20, Luke 18:1-23

What's at the heart of humility? What kind of heart does a humble person have? Why can it be difficult to be humble? It seems that throughout the Bible, we see so many examples of what humility really is. Through this state of potential weakness comes a stature of actual strength, because in every situation, those who bring themselves low will always be raised up! 2 major things that accompany humility are repentance & unworthiness...directing the attention & affection toward God rather than ourselves:

1. Repentance

"...and said unto the king, Let not my Lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my Lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart. For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my Lord the king." 2 Samuel 19:19‭-‬20.

This was a truly incredible transformation! This heart-felt repentance came from the man we discussed last post, who was mocking & cursing David as he rode along! He exhibited this act of humble apology most likely because of the humble example David showed during the time he was mocking him! David didn't do a thing to him, and God turned the situation around so that the man's heart would change, and he too would be humble! This caused David to raise him out of the point of potential death:

"But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD 's anointed? And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel? Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him." 2 Samuel 19:21‭-‬23.

The man's life was spared, not through fighting hard for it, but by being humble! The next character trait that accompanies humility is unworthiness:

2. Unworthiness

"I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my Lord the king? Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?"

2 Samuel 19:35‭-‬36.

This man was a man who showed kindness to David in the past, and so no matter how old this man got, David wanted him by his side. David didn't see him as an inconvenience. In fact, the fact that this man could have slowed him down probably continued to remind David of slowing down & continuing to be humble, putting others before himself. Finally, this man realized he was too old to go on & felt unworthy of the position David gave him, and David let him "retire." This humble man, feeling so unworthy of being by David's side, was raised up to match the worthiness of a young, strong soldier in David's eyes!

These two traits, repentance & unworthiness, can help us to stay humble, and then help us to be raised up in the end! Of course, it's not about the position. It's not about being exalted or lifted up. It's all about lifting up Jesus, and in due time He will give us the uplift we need! Especially in Heaven! David showed this Christ-like character traits. Just as Jesus preferred the needs of everyone over Himself, David did the same in raising up the lowly ones! Repentance is a great thing. Unworthiness in realizing God's worthiness is a great thing. It creates a humble heart, which helps to lift us up & do great things!

"The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Luke 18:11‭, ‬13‭-‬14.