Some spiritual attitudes and actions are more powerful than others. The close relative of the power of sacrifice is the power of humility. When we can get an accurate view of ourselves—we’re never worthy of his extravagant blessings, yet of enormously worth to him—we begin to see him and others more accurately too. We realize how enormously valued our friends and enemies are to him, as well as how good he is to choose us for a deep and intimate relationship. When that happens, things shift in our lives. Or, as some apostolic writers put it, when we humble ourselves in his sight, he exalts us at the proper time (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).
Many people mistake humility for insecurity. It isn’t; Jesus was thoroughly humble and not the least bit insecure. He knew exactly who he was and gave himself for others. One of the earliest Christian hymns says he was God in his nature but relinquished his God-ness for a time in order to come as a servant (Philippians 2:6-11). The result of this extreme humility? Extreme exaltation. Glory forever.
If you want more power in your life, defer to others and empower them. If you want to go higher, get lower. This is the way of humility, and it leads to honor from God. Why? Because it expresses his nature beautifully.
