Humble Yourselves

There is a humility that comes naturally — the humility we feel when we have failed, when we have been corrected, when we have been put in our place. That humility is good, but it is the work of circumstances upon us.

There is another humility, deeper and richer, that is chosen. It does not wait for failure; it bows of its own accord. It does not wait for correction; it sees the truth without it. This is the humility James commands: humble yourselves.

Do not wait for God's hand to do it. Do it now, in his sight. Confess your nothingness before he reveals it. Choose the lower seat before the host comes by. And then trust his promise: he shall lift you up. The way down is the way up; and the only feet he raises are the feet that have bowed of their own will at his cross.