“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11, 29, 30). Jesus is the perfect embodiment of a humble heart. He displays such a heart toward all who cross his path. He willingly humbles himself and gives up his life, even on the cross, for the sake of his followers. He humbly receives all responses to his life and ministry and doesn’t fight back or stiff-arm anyone. His humility is contagious and beautiful. He invites us to humble our hearts and be filled up with God. Then and only then will we truly find rest for our souls.
As Jesus lovers and followers, we are to exhibit a humble heart – first and foremost toward God and then toward all who we know and serve. But, a humble heart begins with the choice of the will. “Humble yourself before the Lord” (James 4:10) as it emerges from the gift of God, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). These same two phrases are repeated in 1 Peter 5: 5,6 and wrapped up by verse 7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” which harkens back to Jesus’ words previously quoted above.
A humble heart is evidence of a contrite heart. When we are willing to admit our brokenness and our desperate need for God, we humble ourselves before God and invite him to reign supremely in our hearts. When God’s Spirit resides in the deepest crevices of our hearts and transforms from the inside out, we are changed people. From such a humble heart we are available to love and serve others in Jesus’ name. But, it begins with our desire to submit ourselves to God.
I’m so encouraged by the many friends who are crafting their personal rule of life – read about and listen to their stories at www.RuleOfLife.com and be encouraged by their humility of heart. Each of them represents a life in discovery of true rest for their souls. Each are finding that a humble heart is the beginning of the journey toward a well-ordered life with God. Join us today as together we pursue a life that “acts justly, loves mercy, and walks humbly with God” (Micah 6: 8).
