Got Humility?

Let’s imagine a courtroom with you as a defendant. The judge has entered the chamber.

The charges are serious. You are guilty of humility. (I told you it was imaginary…)

So how would I, the prosecuting attorney prove this charge? What examples would I use from your life?

When questioned, you deny that you are humble. You freely admit you are prideful. (Romans 12:3)
Witnesses say you are not a complainer. Instead you are grateful and seem satisfied with your lot in life. (Hebrews 13:5)
Strangers say you are not a respecter of persons, treating everyone with courtesy and respect. Even your accusers. (Romans 15:7)
I observe you are not fearful. (1 Peter 3:14) You trust that that everything that comes into your life is “filtered by the Father” and that He will provide what you need when you need it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Co-workers say you are very even-tempered because you have reasonable expectations and a trust in God’s justice.
Your journal says that you see yourself as blessed, despite circumstances.
Your family admits you have real desires and opinions but are willing to submit those to achieve a greater outcome for the future.
No one reports that they feel judged by you.
Friends think you use your talents, time and treasure for other’s best.
Others have observed you expecting and enduring hardship believing that God disciplines those He loves.
Your spouse and closest friends are willing to testify for the prosecution if subpoenaed.
You are hard to offend and several people remember you seeking reconciliation.
Witnesses confirm that you make time for others even when it doesn’t fit your schedule.
Several witnesses recount that you love to make a big deal about them, celebrate their achievements and don’t seem to envy their success.
No one reports that you make excuses for your behavior or words. They say you are quick to admit you are in the wrong.
You seem to be everyone’s best friend. Many people seem to like you and want to be around you. Most say they would like to be more like you.

And in the end, just as the judge pronounces your guilt, I would secretly congratulate myself on my exceptional skills in proving the truth. You were humble and now you can no longer deny it!

Share your answer(s) with your spouse to get the most benefit!

Where are some places in your marriage, that choosing more humility might cost you something you value? What would you feel like you were giving up?

Where would your spouse say you struggle the most to be humble?

Humility has nothing to do with depreciating ourselves and our gifts in ways we know to be untrue. Even “humble” attitudes can be masks of pride. Humility is that freedom from our self which enables us to be in positions in which we have neither recognition nor importance, neither power nor visibility, and even experience deprivation, and yet have joy and delight. It is the freedom of knowing that we are not in the center of the universe, not even in the center of our own private universe.”
― David F. Wells, Losing Our Virtue