March 6
Christian Humility
The Christian's Daily Treasury"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord." — James 4:10.
WE cannot fail to remark, in reading the Scriptures, what an inseparable connection exists between duty and privilege. We serve a good Master, who, while he does not require more than we can render, promises more than we can ask or think. Look at the passage before us. Here is
AN IMPORTANT DUTY. It is that of humility.
Reason teaches it. How natural is pride to man! It is a noxious weed that grows in the garden of nature, and nothing but the grace of God can root it up. Should not the finite creature be humbled before the infinite Jehovah? Is it not unreasonable for a weak and perishing worm of the earth to indulge in feelings of pride?
Scripture enforces it. It is enforced by precept and example. How much is said in commendation of this Christian grace, and by what a variety of motives are we urged to cultivate it. It is represented as desirable in itself, ornamental to the character, and beneficial in its results.
Our welfare requires it. We must be humbled before the cross, ere we are elevated to the throne. Grace is given to the humble. A proud Christian! It is an anomaly, a contradiction in terms; you may as well talk of an honest thief, an ignorant philosopher, or a cowardly hero. Humility adorns its possessor. The humble Christian seeks not the approbation of the thoughtless multitude, but is satisfied to cast in his lot with the despised few; and rejoices that his witness is in heaven, and his record on high. He may be compared to the violet which rises but a little way above the ground, and hangs down its blushing head, and covers its beauties with its own leaves; and were it not that the odor of his many virtues drew the attention of those around, he would choose to bloom and wither in solitude. Let me, then, cultivate this grace, and learn of Him who was meek and lowly in heart.
"The saint that wears heaven's brightest crown,
In deepest adoration bends:
The weight of glory bows him down
The most when most his soul ascends:
Nearest the throne itself must be
The foot-tool of humility."