The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility Proverbs 15:35
Anyone out there ever said,thought,or heard "You're not the boss of me!"?
That is the opposite of what that verse is talking about up above.
Most of the time the word humility seems to be looked at as something related to embarrassment (like "I was so humiliated") or a lesser position in esteem and identity(almost like a slave). Humility has different synonyms and one I like is the word meekness. Long ago I heard a teaching on meekness. It was described as "power under control".
The example was a powerful wild stallion who came under ownership and was broken to put the power to use. Not broken like destroyed and beaten up and mistreated. But broken to be used in higher ways. This type of horse held position, was cared for, could win contests, be taken into battle, was trustworthy, could be counted on to carry out commands, bear weight, precious cargo and officers, even kings.
This keeps bringing to mind the concept of the Armor Bearer. There are whole books and sermons on this that I have only heard snatches of. The role of Armor Bearer is so important! This is a person who holds his power under control to serve the one in command. Someone who knows how to hold position and doesn't try to rip or undermine the position from the one over them to take it for themselves. Starting to sound like the fruit of the spirit now. This is a person who knows how to serve the one in direct command over them. A few examples in my eyes would be Joshua serving Moses, Elisha serving Elijah, Ruth serving Naomi, Abigail with her husband Nabal, Esther with her Uncle Mordecai,with the palace advisor over women being presented to the king, with the King himself...Like I said I haven't studied the armor bearer completely but the concept is there.
Humility isn't a matter of low self esteem or being a nothing or doormat. It is the person who knows who they are and puts themselves in position to help carry out a vision without making a name for themselves.
Jesus is the very best example for us. He never doubted who He was no matter what others said about Him or to Him. Did He hang around for abuse or never answer back those who accused Him? There were times He would answer so wisely! Times He would slip through the crowd and go on His way avoiding being stoned by the crazy crowds. He knew He was King yet didn't fall to the peoples demands for what that king should look like and do. Of course when it was time He did yield to beatings, embarrassing shouts, then painful crucifixion for us! Philippians 3 says we are to have the same mind He did when He laid aside heaven and glory to serve us and His Father.
"...He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death,even death on the cross."
Remember this is not saying wives submit to being beat up. I do not believe God is advocating submission to abuse in the concept of humbling or submitting.
Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many. Anyway back to the verse
"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name...."
Have a beautiful day! Remember the One who loved you so much He gave His life for you and let Him know how thankful you are...
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