One of the things I am enjoying about this book are the prefaces to each chapter, where pastor hubby writes about the virtue in regards to their wife. Just neat and an unexpected boon to my soul.
Humility means possessing a mindset that sees God in his rightful place and us in ours. P. 57 It's having the mindset of a servant rather than that of a master. Why do we need to seek this virtue? Not because we are the pastor's wife, but because we are a proud people and naturally given to thinking too highly of ourselves.
Do we want to help people through our humility or hurt them through our pride?
We should be thrilled to be a servant in God's big kingdom rather than trying to rule our own small corner.
So how does one cultivate humility?
Four practical steps to help cultivate humility.
Humility means possessing a mindset that sees God in his rightful place and us in ours. P. 57 It's having the mindset of a servant rather than that of a master. Why do we need to seek this virtue? Not because we are the pastor's wife, but because we are a proud people and naturally given to thinking too highly of ourselves.
Do we want to help people through our humility or hurt them through our pride?
We should be thrilled to be a servant in God's big kingdom rather than trying to rule our own small corner.
So how does one cultivate humility?
- Spend time in God's Word. This is where it all begins. See Romans 3:10-12. If you don't spend time with God then you forget who you are before him.
- Understand this... "the truth is that any time we have displayed kindness or been of help to others is not because we are great, but because God is working through us." The only reason.
Four practical steps to help cultivate humility.
- Time spent alone with God in bible study, meditation, and prayer is essential. P. 62.
- Confession of sin. Confession is an act of obedience and part of a right relationship with God. Humble people are quick to admit their mistakes.
- Learn to submit to your husband. The husband is the head of the household.
- Cultivate gratitude. Say thank you often. By seeing how much we have to be thankful for we are better enabled to see our true position in the eyes of the Lord.
My Thoughts
As I read this chapter I thought:
Ouch.... Have I allowed myself to be hurt cause I think too much of myself?
It's hard sometimes you know.
To balance OUR expectations to the frailties of people.
DO people let us down?
For sure.
But what are our expectations in the midst of it all?
Where are my expectations placed? Built upon?
Ultimately I need to learn to trust God more.
As I trust him more, it doesn't matter as much what people do because I know that God is my surety. I have to admit... I am SO not there yet.
Like Job I wonder and fret at the why of things happening.
I need to see God in the events of life.
So how can I practice true humility?
By
1. not grumbling when I give way to my hubby ... is it really humility if I say FINE but really mean. I'll do whatever you say dear even though I think you're WRONG. (not really is it). :)
2. by accepting that I can't be all things to everyone and THAT'S okay
3. by realizing that in that okayness (see above) it's okay for others to need others as well.
So what does humility mean to you? And how can you show it more?
Ouch.... Have I allowed myself to be hurt cause I think too much of myself?
It's hard sometimes you know.
To balance OUR expectations to the frailties of people.
DO people let us down?
For sure.
But what are our expectations in the midst of it all?
Where are my expectations placed? Built upon?
Ultimately I need to learn to trust God more.
As I trust him more, it doesn't matter as much what people do because I know that God is my surety. I have to admit... I am SO not there yet.
Like Job I wonder and fret at the why of things happening.
I need to see God in the events of life.
So how can I practice true humility?
By
1. not grumbling when I give way to my hubby ... is it really humility if I say FINE but really mean. I'll do whatever you say dear even though I think you're WRONG. (not really is it). :)
2. by accepting that I can't be all things to everyone and THAT'S okay
3. by realizing that in that okayness (see above) it's okay for others to need others as well.
So what does humility mean to you? And how can you show it more?
RSS Feed
