Gospel Humility
Why write about humility? Possibly because over the past few months two preachers whose integrity I admire have flagged up the value God places on humility (when was the last time you heard a sermon on humility). Perhaps I feel the impulse to address a possible imbalance in evangelical ethics. Evangelicals regularly explore macro-ethical issues such as care for the environment, embryo engineering, human rights, sexuality and third world needs. These are of course important matters, but they tend to echo the agenda of the political right and left in society. Pleas for humility, however, seem thin on the ground. How popular in the world that appreciates ‘The Apprentice’ would a Christian political candidate be who stood on the issue of humility and concrete applications of it to modern life? Perhaps some inner mischief motivates me to write about being humble. I smile a little as I imagine some friends guffaw at my audacity or singular lack of self-knowledge. Probably, like many a preacher, I instinctively zero on my greatest need.
All these possibilities are no doubt true. My more conscious reasons are twofold. Firstly, it seems to me pride is identified in the Bible as one of humanities most basic vices and humility is recognised as one of the gospel’s most basic virtues, or better, graces. If this is so, we should reflect on it. Secondly, I believe gospel truth, which is in danger of being diluted and dismissed today, is absolutely critical for all aspects of Christian growth and salvation. In this case study, I hope to demonstrate this, to show that the gospel, and only the gospel, can uproot pride and plant humility in the human heart.
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About John
Hi there - I am a member of Greenview and have been for over 20 years. For a number of these years I functioned as an elder, however, indifferent health forced me to take more of a back seat. I see this as an opportunity to do a little writing, often focussing on issues that are a matter of evangelical debate today. Naturally the views expressed are my own and may not reflect the views of the elders or church at large, though differences are likely to be in the detail and not the substance.
These articles and sermons were written partly to clarify my own thoughts and partly with the intention of provoking thought in others who may read them. If you read one I hope you find it stimulating. Please feel free to give me feedback or discuss my articles in the forums.
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