For revival, there must be humility
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"For America to survive, we need a spiritual revival." That is something many believe, and I agree. But the question is, what's first needed for revival? Is it prayer? Repentance? In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God gives us the answer:
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
The first step to revival is humbling ourselves before God. Revival cannot come without it.
Jesus stressed this when He said: "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3-4).
Humility is not insecurity. Many confuse the two, but they're quite different. Insecurity stems from a lack of self-confidence—it's actually another form of pride because it's still self-focused. Insecurity is preoccupied with how others perceive you, constantly worrying about their opinions. True humility shifts the focus away from yourself. It's about serving others, not worrying what others think.
The great actor Sir Lawrence Olivier once said that great acting requires two things: "Humility enough to prepare and confidence enough to perform." Coaches don't want an insecure player on the free-throw line when the game is on the line—they want one who's humble enough to prepare and confident enough to execute. Paul put it this way to his understudy Timothy: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7).
Humility is not false spirituality. We've all met people who take humility to the extreme—those who wear false modesty like a badge of honor. Their constant self-deprecation can be exhausting to be around. When complimented, they say things like, "Oh, don't thank me, thank Jesus! I'm just His humble servant." While there's truth in giving glory to God, there's also a counterfeit humility that's really just fishing for praise.
Jesus cautioned, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matt. 6:1).
Humility is not our first instinct. We aren't born humble. Babies are very self-centered. If they wake up hungry at 2:00 a.m., they don't say to themselves, "My mom really needs to sleep, so I think I'll just lie here and wait until morning." No! Babies instinctively cry out for their needs to be met immediately. As we mature, we should learn the importance of placing others above ourselves.
Humility is not a one-time decision. It's not something we can check off and move on. Humility is a daily discipline—a continual choice. Our selfish, prideful nature constantly fights against humility. Satan whispers, "Don't be a wimp," "Stand up for your rights," "Don't be disrespected," or "It's your body, your choice." And too many times, pride wins.
Pastor Jon Ortberg wryly remarked, "What if I'm really humble and no one notices?"
Proverbs advises, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." (Prov. 11:2). The Apostle Paul defined genuine humility in Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Ultimately, humility is placing God's will above all else. The Latin root of humility is "humus," meaning earth or ground. When Adam sinned, God reminded him, "You came from the earth, and to earth you shall return. – You're just dust!" When we reflect on our humble origins compared to God's awesome, eternal nature, we are reminded to approach Him with humility.
The ultimate example of humility is Christ's death on the cross. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…He humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!" (Phil. 2:5,8b).
That's why, when we accept that we're sinners in need of a Savior, God instituted baptism as our initial response. Baptism is a humbling act—it symbolizes our need for cleansing and requires a sacrifice of pride. But in doing so, Christ is exalted as we reenact His death, burial, and resurrection in our own lives.
The opening line of Rick Warren's book The Purpose Driven Life is classic: "It's not about you!"When we remember we are not the center of the universe—God is—we're ready to walk in humble obedience to His will and put the interests of others above ourselves.
Then, perhaps, God will pour out a spiritual revival in our land.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time" (1 Peter 5:6).
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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