Biblical Holiness: Humility- A fulfillment of our commandment to love. Pt2

Noah was a tzaddik (a righteous person). Like many biblical figures, Noah bore a great truth to the world. While he made preparation for the coming flood, he warned the people. Notice that the Ark was built to God's specification. God knew the result of Noah's ministry and who would respond and the Ark was built accordingly. Noah did not have to know how big to build it or what animals to take. All he had to do was be obedient, love, and serve God.

To be a tzaddik requires that one constantly be aware of the two great commandments. One is to love God, the other is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matt 22:37-40). Humility is a vital part of carrying out both of these commandments.

Humility is being humble or lowly, but this isolated view does not consider that godly humility is also attached to meekness (strength under control), boundaries (also a critical element in holiness), modesty (because humility, a form of modesty, regulates our behavior and the expression of our person), and empathy (seeing things from another’s perspective). All four of these concepts are a part of understanding what humility is in a biblical sense. It is not always about avoiding conflict, being unworthy, putting others first, taking a back seat, or having self-deprecating ideals. These indicate a lack of balance in how we regard self-concept.

The concept for biblical humility begins as a sacred reverence for God, his word, and his will as the framework for life and ministry. It acknowledges that God is first and all things are subject to him. Our final allegiance must be to God in our decisions and actions as we ultimately represent his divine character and work. This reverence and honor is carried over in our assessment of self and others.

When we apply ourselves to living a life of humility we will honor and respect that God created us in his image and that he is continually leading us in his will. Humility as a regulating trait that acknowledges the failings and imperfections of life but recognizes our redemptive journey and that God is transforming us daily. We are not perfect. We do not have all the answers. We do not always know what to do and even when we think we do we still can’t get everything right. Humility holds our imperfections and pursuit of God in a balance and recognizes that God uses even our failings as transformative growth. We do not think more highly of ourselves than we ought. Nor do we think less of ourselves. We can honor what God is doing in us and where he is leading us and that is empowering in and of itself. Honoring and respecting ourselves is what enables us to give this godly fruit to others. In the end, we must allow for the will of God to happen in ourselves and also make room for God's unique work to happen through others.

Humility may be seen as the trait that fits our individualism into the larger society or sacred community. It is a respect for another’s value as being equal to our own and an honoring of the presence of God in those we are around. Humility is not just how we self-regulate, it is also about how we see others and love them (Col 3:12-14). Humility helps us share our space so that the love and kindness of God can be passed on (Micah 6:8). It is not offended at honoring, respecting, or preferring others (Phil 2:1-4). Humility accepts another’s autonomy, and their right to think, feel, and be an individual. It helps us to interact without over-encroaching, argue without being overbearing, and seek unity in the face of differences.

When we are walking in humility before God we have an honest, godly view of our person and others. We do not have to wear a mask, promote our ego, or defend our glasshouse. We can give and receive love, honor and respect others, resolve offense, and seek the larger vision of God. Humility is the trait that helps us to get our idiosyncrasies out of the way to provide an unobstructed view of the God that lives in us. When we get ourselves and our agendas out of the way the mercies and kindness of God will shine through and the Kingdom will advance.

Rav Calev Apostolic Messianic International- Gulf Coast Facebook, Rumble, and Parler