The definition of humility is: the quality or condition of being humble, modest opinion, or estimate of ones own importance or rank
As the two of you begin your new life together, the word humility keeps coming to my mind. Here are several things of what humility is and use this as a reminder. Also the ultimate definition of humility is found in Philippians 2
The first key to humility is: knowing who you are and who you belong to
Knowing who you are often saves us an identity crises and from others singing the Who’s famous song Who are You. This prevents us from getting into the trap of a job, title, or letting a relationship define you. Knowing who you are allows you to have peace with your past and know where you are going. It is being comfortable in your own skin and in who you are while still pushing yourself to grow. We all belong to someone, whether it is ourselves, some cause or relationship. Being humble is realizing that first and foremost you are a child of God. When we live in that relationship first everything else is put into its proper place. To put it bluntly, it is getting off of our high horse and choosing to serve instead of being served. When we serve, its not about doing things to get some something. True service calls us out of our comfort zone and to people and situations that challenge us. True service is what God calls us to do and empower us for His glory.
The second key to humility is: learning to forgive and to be forgiven
Yes this means we have to learn to put on the big kid pants and not only seek forgiveness, but grant it also. In every relationship things that are said, done, and forgotten about that will cause disappointment, anger and even resentment. Seeking forgiveness is not only saying "my bad", but also growing in maturity to take steps to correct the situation. Granting forgiveness maybe the hardest part because it not forgetting about the situation, but dealing with it in its proper context and not letting it eat you alive. Humility is granting forgiveness because we have been forgiven much ourselves. Its also not letting that one thing live rent free in our head.
The third key to humility is: being strong and courageous
Life is scary and we can either hide from it or we can face it head on with God. In Joshua 1, the phrase strong and courageous comes up at least four times depending on the version you read. Life tends to through a lot scary stuff at us and there is a lot of uncertainty, but there is hope. God is not only buy our side, He also leads us, walks besides us, and even pushes us at times. True humility is realizing that we can not do it our selves and relying on God and being in relationship is the only way to Go.
The fourth key to Humility is: having a proper view of life
There are times when we need to take lessons from Aaron Rogers and take time to R-E-L-A-X, and there are times when we need to be diligent in what life brings our way. It is being flexible with life and yet having solid boundaries with relationships, commitments, career and life in general.
