Walk with Humility [Repost David Tripp]

"When we think we're more important than the people God has placed in our lives, our words and actions will disrespect and demean them."

http://paultripp.com/wednesdays-word/posts/walk-with-humility

Yesterday I posted an Article about what it means to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Ephesians 4:1). I would encourage you to read that post and get some context as we begin this new five-part series.

If we know the theology behind "walk in a manner worthy," there should be a correlation between how we think and how we act. The Apostle Paul wastes no time describing it to us, listing five character qualities of what our walk will look like as we relate and respond to others. The first is HUMILITY.

Being humble in your relationships can have a variety of practical applications, so instead of giving you "10 ways to serve" I want to give you 3 things to remember. Before asking "What can I do?" (which is still a good question), ask yourself, "How can I think biblically?" Your words and actions are always an overflow of the heart.

First, you need to remember that God is above all. It sounds like simple theology, but it's so simple for us to remove God from His throne and seat ourselves above others. When we think we're more important than the people God has placed in our lives, our words and actions will disrespect and demean them.

Second, you need to remember your dependency on other believers. Even if you have a Ph.D. in biblical studies, God can teach you very important lessons through people who seem "less spiritual." It doesn't matter how many Scripture verses you've memorized - sin blinds, and you need a diverse body to help see yourself with accuracy.

Finally, you need to admit that you're just wrong sometimes. If you've made a mistake, you don't need to argue for your own righteousness. The Gospel frees you from having to bear the burden of defending yourself. Christ took the stand in the courtroom and declared you innocent!

Think about those three things. If I'm honest, I hate that list! I want to be king; I want to be independent; and I always want to be right! It's very hard for you and I to humbly admit to who we are.

But remember - because we have been "strengthened with power through his Spirit in our inner being" (Eph. 3:16), we can walk in our relationships in a radically humble and liberating way.