Sharpened Together - 14 October

"I am gentle and humble in heart."
Matthew 11:29

In our culture, humility tends to be associated with weakness, timidity, or letting people walk all over you. In the business world, sports, and media, confident self-assertion gets attention. Self-promotion seems the norm. But in God’s kingdom, humility isn't weakness. It is strength under control and freedom from self-absorption. C.S. Lewis put the difference this way: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less."

When you look at Jesus, you don't see someone passive, shy or a doormat. You see someone who quieted violent storms, boldly confronted corrupt religious leaders, and willingly endured the cross. Yet, Jesus described His own character by saying: "I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29). For Jesus, humility was rooted in absolute security. He knew who He was, so He didn't need to spend His life proving it. Instead, He used His power to serve.

What Did Jesus Say About Humility?
Jesus made humility important in His teaching. It is:

1. The Entry Point to the Kingdom
"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 18:3–4
Jesus makes it clear that we can't even begin a walk with God until we drop the mask of self-sufficiency and admit our need for Him.

2. The Great Kingdom Flip
"For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." — Luke 14:11
Jesus gave this warning after watching dinner guests hustle for the best seats. He flipped that instinct upside down. When a man seeks to elevate himself, he is taking on an exhausting burden - one he was never meant to carry. Let God do the work.

3. The Ultimate Benchmark
During the Last Supper (John 13), Jesus did something contrary to the norms of the time - it was radical in its humility. He wrapped a towel around His waist, knelt down, and washed the dusty, dirty feet of His disciples—a job reserved for the lowest servant in the house.
After finishing, He said: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." — John 13:14–15
Jesus demonstrated real authority. Not from climbing to the top, rather by a willingness to do something well below his respectable role.

How can you apply this?
Perhaps-

• Stop trying to win every argument. If you are humble you can listen, consider another perspective, try to understand, and even say "I was wrong" without feeling like your dignity is compromised or destroyed.
• Use your strength to lift others. Looks for ways to do what is needed. Without fanfare. Perhaps even jobs that you feel are below your dignity.
• Live more from your identity, not for your ego. Our confidence is grounded in Christ, we shouldn't need constant applause, recognition, or status updates to feel secure. If you aren't there yet... find the way Christ & give humility a go.

Let’s be men who lead with quiet confidence and Christ-like humility.