Deep Humility

I remember my grandmother (aka “Mammie”) speak about people being humble. She pronounced the word without the “h” on the front – “umble”. One big characteristic of her life was that she was very humble. I can’t ever recall her being prideful and arrogant. She noticed others who were humble and kind. She always put others ahead of herself. She was incredibly generous and patient. She made a profound impression upon my life and the lives of many others.

I read more this morning about King David. He was also a humble man serving as King. He never seemed to forget his humble beginnings as a shepherd boy. He also never seemed to forget the God Who was with him way back then when he faced a lion and a bear that was threatening his flock.

David decides that he wants to build a house for God. He doesn’t like it that the Ark of the Covenant is in a tent. He wants to build a permanent temple for God to dwell. The Lord sends Nathan, the prophet to bless David but to also let him know that his son who succeeds him as king will be the one to build the temple. I was impressed with David’s humility after being told “no”. David ended up feeling blessed about what God was going to do through his family. He humbly accepts the directive of God through the prophet. Check this out…

25 “You, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him. So your servant has found courage to pray to you. 26 You, Lord, are God! You have promised these good things to your servant. 27 Now you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Lord, have blessed it, and it will be blessed forever.” (1 Chronicles 17:25-27 NIV)

David’s humility is what made him such a great leader. He let God lead him. He trusted God to help him lead as King. I believe that humility is one of the greatest characteristics a leader can have. I believe humility can coexist with confidence but not arrogance. Confidence says, “We can do this”. Arrogance says, “I can do this”. David knew that with the Lord’s help that there was nothing that couldn’t be done.

I believe that battling pride is a daily struggle. My pride can chase humility out of my life. Pride is confidence in me alone. Pride is destructive while trying to lead. Pride has been the downfall of many great leaders. In fact, I believe that pride is the culprit in David’s sin scandal with Bathsheba.

As I journey through the word of God, I don’t want my confidence in Him to produce arrogance in me. He is the leader and I’m the follower. I may lead others, but I’m a follower of Jesus first.

Pressing On!

Dwayne