True Humility

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5 KJV)

Most Bible translations use the word meek/humble/gentle in this verse. According to Strong’s Concordance: “Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to exercising God's strength under His control – i.e. demonstrating power without undue harshness.”

My personal favorite version of this verse is found in the Message:

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.” (Matthew 5:5 MSG)

Humility is not insecurity.  It isn’t trying to be like someone else or hiding behind false modesty.

In Chapter 6 of the Gospel of John, a little boy brings up a few loaves of bread and some fish to Jesus. Jesus uses this offering to feed five thousand. This child brought forward whatever he had--no more, no less. Most people would have thought to themselves: I can’t take this up, it is nothing. Everyone will think I’m trying to appear as if I have something substantial to offer when I don’t. It might seem prideful if I call attention to myself. I better just keep my fishes and loaves to myself.”

True humility realizes that everything you have is from God. It would be silly to take credit for something that was given to you. It would be wasteful to hide your gifts or use them only for your own pleasure. When we exercise our God-given strengths under His influence, when we are content with who we are--then we shall have possession of all that has been promised.

Lord, thank you for all thy gifts. Instead of hiding them, may we use them according to Your purposes.