What is true Christian humility?
by Glenn Crouch
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But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me? (1 Samuel 9:21)
Read 1 Samuel 9:15–10:1
You may remember the song from Mac Davis in which the chorus goes, ‘It’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way.’ While the song is, of course, comedic, it highlights a problem we all deal with.
We see in the quote above that Saul does not see himself as worthy of such attention from Samuel. These words become more meaningful if you are aware of the sad story near the end of Judges involving the tribe of Benjamin. Sometimes we can be guilty of false humility, where we denigrate ourselves so that others can praise us. We don’t see that happening here. This is how the Lord reveals to Samuel why he has chosen Saul. While people may be attracted to his looks, the Lord sees his humility.
It is a challenge to have an honest and accurate opinion of ourselves. We delude ourselves into seeing strengths we don’t possess and concern ourselves with weaknesses that others barely notice. Rather, we should follow Paul’s advice and be confident that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).
In the late Tim Keller’s book about humility, he says, ‘Christian humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.’ This is based on CS Lewis’ approach in Mere Christianity and appears to have been first coined by Rick Warren. Think about this statement.
Creator God, thank you for accepting me as I am and for not leaving me as you found me. Continue to work in me, so that I might better shine forth your light. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. Amen.
Glenn is the pastor of St John’s Lutheran Church in Esperance and looks after St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kalgoorlie–Boulder, Western Australia. Glenn and Karen have been married since 1985. They have two grown sons and are enjoying regular video chats with their first grandchild.
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