The Virtue of Humility

 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

~Colossians 3:12

Do you ever feel like your in a competition with someone, but don't understand why? I know I have felt that way many times; if there is someone in my art class who is doing a lil bit better than me- then for some reason I begin to feel like it's a competition and am always trying to out-do the person. It's ridiculous, I know, but it's the truth. And the thing is, a lot of people do this -sometimes with out realizing. It's so easy to feel like you are competing for many things in life; A job position, the man you want, to be the best in the class, ect... But did God make life to be a competition? I don't think so... Instead, God wants us to learn humility.

I have heard the word humility on past occasions, but could not figure out a way to explain it- I guess I was still a little unsure of the meaning myself. In case you don't know either, here is a few definitions:

"Humility is a socially acknowledged claim to neutrality in the competition of life"

~Harper's Bible Dictionary 

The state of being humble

~Merriam Webster Dictionary

An ungrudging and hypocritical acknowledgment of absolute dependence upon God.

~Tyndale Bible Dictionary

 God doesn't want us to be in a battle of competition constantly, he wants us to be neutral. One way that we can remane neutral is by learning humility- and humility is being humble. To be humble means to not be proud; Some people don't like to give up a fight because it would mean a hurt in their pride, or they don't want to admit that they need help. But is God not our rock? Does God not want us to depend on him? I think we all know that we are to depend on  God as our rock, and threfore, we have no need to fight for ourselves. It's not our job to fight in the girl-to-girl competitions, but rather to trust Him. To trust Him to fight for us. Trust that His commands are for our good- even those that require humility.

~A Few Verses~

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

James 4:10

And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

Micah 6:8

Very few people have discovered the virtue of humility. You see, the thing about humility is that it can often times be a painful thing to learn and doesn't always make complete sense. If we don't protect ourselves, then who will? The obvious answer is God, but it is easier said than done. But Jesus appluads those who practice being humble and meek in their lives. Not those who fight for themselves.

When you practice humility, you are no longer plagued with the questions of 'why?'. Instead, we are free to let others be who they are and let past experiences be just that- past experiences. So do yourself a favor; Let go of your pride, learn to be humble, and trust the Lord your God- and you will be blessed with the virtue of humility.

~Miss.Adriana Castillo