Humility in Engaging Secular Culture and Worldviews
Humility, a prominent Christian grace, involves a state of mind that is pleasing to God and conducive to inner tranquility [1]. It is characterized by entertaining and expressing modest thoughts of oneself while holding others in high regard [2]. This virtue is not merely an internal disposition but also manifests in outward behavior, such as a willingness to receive instruction and submission to God's will in adverse circumstances [2].
The New Testament frequently commends humility, with passages like Romans 12:3, 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, and Philippians 4:11-13 highlighting its importance [1]. Christ himself serves as the ultimate example of humility, as described in Philippians 2:6-8 [1]. Believers are encouraged to cultivate humility by remembering their sins and recognizing that it is a path to honor, with significant promises made to the humble (Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2; 1 Peter 5:5) [1].
In engaging with secular culture and worldviews, humility is fitting, especially when considering humanity's state before receiving God's kindness and love [3]. This perspective, articulated in Titus 3:3, suggests that an awareness of one's own past condition fosters a humble approach [3]. Humility also entails behaving with lowliness and meekness, avoiding envy of others' gifts, and rejoicing in their growth [2]. This disposition aligns with the idea that religion teaches reverence towards superiors and self-denial, discouraging comparison or competition with those in positions of authority or influence [6].
Furthermore, humility in interaction means avoiding grudging or murmuring, especially when extending hospitality or assistance [5]. As Matthew Henry notes on 1 Peter 5:5, humility also involves respecting and yielding to the admonitions of those who are elder or in positions of spiritual guidance [7]. The Jewish tradition, as seen in Rashi's commentary on Proverbs 15:33, also connects humility with honor, suggesting that humility is a precursor to receiving honor [4]. This principle extends to how one presents oneself, advocating for modesty and avoiding ostentation that might be seen as an affront to others [6].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 4:2: With all lowliness and meekness,..... In the exercise of humility, which shows itself in believers, in entertaining and expressing the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; in not envying the gifts and graces of others, but rejoicing at them, and at every increase of them; in a willingness to receive instruction from the meanest saints; in submission to the will of God in all adverse dispensations of Providence; and in ascribing all they have, and are, to the grace of God: and so to behave, is to walk agreeably to their calling of God; and what the”
- Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:3: 3:3 Humility (3:2) is fitting, considering our state when God’s kindness and love came to us (3:4; see Eph 2:1-4; 5:8; Col 3:7; 1 Pet 4:3).”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Proverbs 15:33: and before honor there is humility Humility causes honor to come.”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 4:9: (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2.) Not the spurious hospitality which passes current in the world, but the entertaining of those needing it, especially those exiled for the faith, as the representatives of Christ, and all hospitality to whomsoever exercised from genuine Christian love. without grudging--Greek, "murmuring." "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity," that is open-hearted sincerity; with cordiality. Not secretly speaking against the person whom we entertain, or upbraiding him with the favor we have conferred in him.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 25:6: Here we see, 1. That religion is so far from destroying good manners that it reaches us to behave ourselves lowly and reverently towards our superiors, to keep our distance, and give place to those to whom it belongs "Put not forth thyself rudely and carelessly in the king's presence, or in the presence of great men; do not compare with them" (so some understand it); "do not vie with them in apparel, furniture, gardens, house-keeping, or retinue, for that is an affront to them and will waste thy own estate." 2. That religion teaches us humility and self-denial, ”
- 1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 5:5: Having settled and explained the duty of the pastors or spiritual guides of the church, the apostle comes now to instruct the flock, I. How to behave themselves to their ministers and to one another. He calls them the younger, as being generally younger than their grave pastors, and to put them in mind of their inferiority, the term younger being used by our Saviour to signify an inferior, Luk 22:26. He exhorts those that are younger and inferior to submit themselves to the elder, to give due respect and reverence to their persons, and to yield to their admonition”