The Humility of Jesus
I cannot too earnestly plead with my reader, if possibly his attention has never yet been specially directed to the want there is of humility within him or around him, to pause and ask whether he sees much of the spirit of the meek and lowly Lamb of God in those who are called by His name. Let him consider how all want of love, all indifference to the needs, the feelings, the weakness of others; all sharp and hasty judgments and utterances, so often excused under the plea of being outright and honest; all manifestations of temper and touchiness and irritation; all feelings of bitterness and estrangement, have their root in nothing but pride, that ever seeks itself, and his eyes will be opened to see how a dark, shall I not say a devilish pride, creeps in almost everywhere, the assemblies of the saints not excepted. Let him begin to ask what would be the effect, if in himself and around him, if towards fellow-saints and the world, believers were really permanently guided by the humility of Jesus; and let him say if the cry of our whole heart, night and day, ought not to be, Oh for the humility of Jesus in myself and all around me! Let him honestly fix his heart on his own lack of the humility which has been revealed in the likeness of Christ’s life, and in the whole character of His redemption, and he will begin to feel as if he had never yet really known what Christ and His salvation is.
—Andrew Murray
Andrew Murray calls us to take a hard look at the pride that hides in plain sight—even among God’s people. Lack of love, quick judgment, irritation, bitterness, and estrangement often trace back to the same root: pride seeking its own way. This pride creeps into our relationships, even in the church, and keeps us from reflecting the spirit of the meek and lowly Lamb of God.
Imagine if our lives and communities were truly guided by the humility of Jesus—patient, gentle, attentive to others’ needs. Murray urges us to make it our constant prayer: “Oh, for the humility of Jesus in myself and all around me!” When we see how far we fall short of His humility, we begin to realize just how much we still need to know Him and the salvation He brings. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics