A Wiser Way to Live
I’m not as smart as I used to be.
That’s not due to any onset of dementia (yet), but the more I’ve learned, the more I’ve discovered I don’t know.
- Seminary fills your head with a lot of important stuff, but walking alongside someone facing the biggest challenge of his life reminds you that you don’t have all the answers.
- I thought I was an expert at student ministry until two teenage boys lived in my own house.
- I feel pretty confident building furniture in my garage until I visit the shop of someone who has been doing woodworking a whole lot longer than I have.
Such moments in my life knock me down a peg or two, but in the process, I gained a little wisdom. So, I’m not as smart as I used to be, but I am wiser!
I’ve determined that humility has got to be one of the central virtues every person needs, and it is one of the most needed—especially in Christian circles. (I’m talking to you pastors, worship leaders, and “bestselling” authors out there.)
The book of Proverbs equates humility with the fear of the Lord.
“Humility, the fear of the Lord, results in wealth, honor, and life” (Prov. 22:4)
Catch the juxtaposition of humility with the fear of the Lord. It makes sense. We don’t truly express that reverential fear of the Lord without a good dose of He’s-God-I’m-not humility. What do subjects do before a king? They bow in deference. And we should certainly do that before the almighty, all-powerful God of the universe. If there is no humility before God, there is no fear of God.
It is with that recognition of the power and authority of God that we begin to understand. We see who is really in charge. We submit ourselves before the One who knows best. When we stop looking to ourselves and looking to Him, we are on the path to wisdom.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov. 9:10; see also 1:7).
See the path between humility and wisdom? Humility before God is an expression of reverential fear, and that attitude toward God is the only way we’ll gain wisdom. True wisdom.
I have recently written on the need for humility in our prayers, but humility in all aspects of life is critical. Humility makes us better listeners. I’ve learned some amazing things when I’ve taken time to humbly listen. In fact, God has given me insights from some people I never would have expected, but only because I took the time to hear what they were saying.
Even when people look to us for help and guidance, humility will go a lot further than an ego-fused response. Humble confidence is one thing, but a cocky confidence bordering on arrogance has no place in the Christian life. I’ve learned I don’t have to have all the answers!
It may sound contradictory, but I am far humbler today than I’ve been in the past. Yet I’ve got a long way to go. But each time I choose to humble myself before the Lord, I’ve placed myself in a position where I can better see His hand and hear His voice.
“When arrogance comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom” (Prov. 11:2)
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble…. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (Jas. 4:6.10).
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