Nougat 2

When we consider what the Fruit of God’s Spirit entails there is the temptation to leave it behind. Consider today’s Holy Nougat that speaks to humility:

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Philippians 2:3-5 NLT

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

The word that transliterates ‘Gentleness’ is also understood as Meekness or Humility in the original language. And while neither term paints positive pictures for many, it still encompasses part of what we are called to do/be. So is humility aka gentleness aka meekness just a fuzzy feeling of allowing others to say and do as threat will? Even to our own detriment? I honestly can’t recall Jesus being a pushover!!!

Part of the Spirit’s call is for each of us to walk away from our selfish desires and motives in any situation. Moreover the pride and even conceit that might sometimes ensnare us, no longer has pride of place in our lives. We, under the leadership of God’s Spirit, find ourselves focused more and more on God’s glory than our own. (N.b are we seeing this attitude manifested in many leaders these days?) When our priorities shift from God’s will to self will, it’s highly likely that humility has left the room.

An even greater challenge for many of us is the directive to think more highly of others than ourselves. We are are not humanly wired that way. Hence the enticement to be God in Eden. Our natural proclivity is to be the best, first, most unique … often to the detriment of others. We desire the best for ourselves even if performing at/desiring mediocrity for others.

God’s Spirit says ‘flip the script’. Place others needs as priority – doing for them what we desire for ourselves.

The best!

Always.

Not occasionally.

And that’s the challenge. Our natural selves want others to succeed, but not at our expense. We am not always inclined towards humility, unless it serves Our own agendas. But God’s Spirit invites the extra mile; that we forfeit our coat off even when the other is unreasonable. Especially when others have a need.

I can’t imagine humility in my own strength. But by God’s Spirit, it is possible. How about you?

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May all we seek be found in Christ