We do know that humility is an important trait in our lives. Do you agree that our perception of humility will decide as how are we going to live our lives?
Personally, I think that humility is the key and foundational attribute of our lives. Why?
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
According to Paul, believers in Colossae had to eliminate their old lifestyle and practices in order to put on their new self (Col. 3:9). How to get rid of their “old self”? Paul reminded them that they were God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.
If we believe that we are God’s chosen people and have obtained salvation through Christ, then we will be called to set apart from our “old self” for we are greatly loved by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Since our identity in Christ has given us great privilege, therefore we need to “clothe ourselves” with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
The illustration given by Paul is to remove our “old clothes” and put on the “new clothes”, which represent the characteristics of Jesus’ followers. We need to be alert as this passage is not referring to physical clothes, but our inner transformation that might prompt us to turn back to our “old self.”
Brothers and Sisters,
Are we still wearing the “old clothes” because they are “comfortable”?
Are we still contemplating of throwing away the “old clothes” because they represent our “true identity”?
Or are we ready to put on the new clothes?
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Paul in Ephesus asserted the believers to be “complete” or “whole”, instead of being part or a portion of humility.
There are moments of “lapse” whereby I get myself into trouble when someone praises or compliments me. My lips glorify God, but not my heart. God has His own way in “reminding” me to be humble and stay grounded.
When I find myself being self-reliant, that is when I am not humble at all. Humility in Christ means I need Christ more than myself. I am nothing before Christ.
Let us continue to learn this journey of humility and fine tune our lifestyle. May we truly glorify and praise God’s name all the time.
Ps. Desmond Kok
14 Nov 2021