(Author's note: I am working through how to structure this series. It seems undesirable that it only be me writing all the time; I owe it to some quotes that started me on this path and I would be remiss if I did not actively pepper them throughout the series.)
While humility is a thing we are and a thing we do, it can also be a thing that protects us.
"Pride goes before a fall". How many times have we heard that? How many times have seen it in others?
How many times have I applied it to myself?
The proud man or woman does not believe they will fall. They believe their discipline, their wisdom, their "street smarts", their very nature - all of this will give them the insight and wisdom to avoid pitfalls and snares.
The proud man or woman does not believe they will fall. They believe their discipline, their wisdom, their "street smarts", their very nature - all of this will give them the insight and wisdom to avoid pitfalls and snares.
I have believed this - more than I care to admit. And every time I do - almost without fail - my sin overtakes me.
The humble person knows that themselves are always prone to their weaknesses and their sins - "There but for the grace of God go I" (or words to that effect) feel as if they would be a common thought in their daily lives. They understand they do not have the discipline, the wisdom, the knowledge to avoid stumbling - alone. They are always prone to it. And indeed, as Peter says in 1st Peter, our adversary the Devil is always seeking about for someone to devour.
The proud can easily miss the snare. The humble very often do not.
The oldest lie in The Book is (forgive the paraphrase), "you can get away from it." Eve fell for it and it seems to be behind every disastrous thing we humans do. I suppose being able to recognize that is part of humility too.
ReplyDeleteYour last paragraph puzzles me, so I'm going to have to contemplate on it. But that's what I like about your posts, they almost always give me something to think about.
Leigh, re-reading the paragraph again, I think what I was thinking is the fact that the humble are always reminded of their sin - and reminded, they are constantly looming out for it. I think. Sometimes I look back and struggle to remember how the words got there.
DeleteI do the same thing! :)
DeleteIt's a constant struggle to remember that oneself is not the center of everything TB, following the teachings of others more wise and humble is the best course of action to follow. The older I get the more I realize how much further there is to go. This series of posts seems to help a bit.
ReplyDeleteI am glad the series is helpful Nylon12 - it is certainly helping me to consider things myself.
DeleteI very much struggle with myself as the center of the universe.
It's a fine line between doubting oneself and willingness to understand that one is not all knowing.
ReplyDeleteIt is John; a line I often struggle to find.
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