Humility Pathway to Elevation

Humility means submission. It is freedom from pride or arrogance. Humility is not thinking of yourself less, but its thinking less of yourself. The quality of not thinking that you are better than other people.

Colossians 3:12 God loves you and has chosen you and made you his holy people. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Let us look at the story of Joseph; Joseph was taken as a captive to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s official. Joseph started working in Egypt as a slave in Potiphar’s house. While at Potiphar’s house Joseph worked so well that it pleased his master. Seeing the success of all he asked Joseph to do, he put him in charge of his house. He was given authority to oversee his house and in charge of all that he owned.

Thereafter came a setback. Due to Potiphar’s wife phony accusations, Joseph was sent to prison. Although God had revealed to him his future, he wasn’t embittered with the recent circumstance. He performed his duties well and God showed him his loving kindness and granted him favor with the prison warden. The warden put Joseph as manager of other prisoners.  Genesis 39:23 The warden paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s care because the Lord was with him; whatever Joseph did, the Lord made to prosper. Joseph humbled himself not looking to men but believed that elevation comes only from God.  How many of us appreciate where we are at in life and trust God with our future? Committing to what he has commissioned us to do?

While at Potiphar’s house, things seemed to be good for Joseph. Promotion from a slave to a personal assistant. Anent to this, It was likely that the next thing for him was another promotion. Maybe he thought Potiphar would probably mention him to his master and he would be promoted. But that was not the case.

Years later God made Pharaoh have a dream that only Joseph could interpret and God promoted him to be the governor of Egypt. Genesis 41:41-42 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you in charge over all the land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and dressed him in official vestments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.

Because of his humility, God separated him from his brothers and gave him a unique gift of dreams and revealed to him the future. Instead of complaining about the state where Joseph found himself; he choose to be humble and render his service as unto God. Though he was brought to Egypt as a slave he trusted that God would change his story. His humility saw him being elevated from one level to another. He was good at all he did, be it at Potiphar’s house or the prison. Any set back he encountered did not make him bitter towards God but he took charge of his responsibilities because he trusted God.

Joseph was so submissive to God and fully surrendered his life to him. It didn’t matter which stage in life he found himself. At the palace, Joseph wasn’t arrogant with his gift. But he acknowledged that it was God who enabled him. Genesis 41:16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, “it is not in me to interpret the dream; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer through me. He gave the glory to God. God is looking for a people to work with so that he can display His glory.

Later when his brothers came to buy food in Egypt, he wasn’t arrogant but he humbled himself knowing that it was God’s plan for him to go ahead of them so that their lives would be preserved. Genesis 45

James 4:6-7…Therefore, it says, God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but gives grace to the humble who turn away from self-righteousness. So submit to the authority of God.

As the body of Christ we shouldn’t look at our circumstances and feel disadvantaged, we should realize that nothing in life is incognizant by God. Nothing is strange or news to God. He is aware of every chapter of our lives and wants us to be co-workers together with him to give him glory.   1 Corithians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; His servants working together. You are God’s cultivated field, God’s building.

Humility enables you to accept God’s leading. When He leads you to a particular work, career or path in life you quickly submit unto him. Not working partially as looking for titles but being faithful and patient in His works.

Jesus is our shepherd and we are the sheep of his pasture. As the sheep of His pasture, it is paramount for us to humble ourselves for His leading. Sheep cannot lead themselves they require a shepherd so that when a lion or bear comes they will be protected. The shepherd knows where the grass is green. He may have to lead the sheep through a parched place but eventually they’ll come to the green pastures. They may pass through rocky places but that doesn’t mean they can camp there or that the shepherd is not concerned about them.

Jesus Christ leads us to the greatness he has for us. Every time we pass through a challenge, it is a test of growth on what we can handle for us to be elevated to the next level. Joseph submitted himself to God as a living sacrifice.(Rom 12:1)  this is the only acceptable service. Joseph’s character was being put to test. It was part of the lessons that he needed for the next level. The prison molded his character it sharpened his skills and gifts for the palace.

Rewards for Humility are Honor, Wisdom, Riches and Life.

Humility is the right attitude in doing everything. It is revealed in how we handle others great or not. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit but with an attitude of humility, regard others as more important than yourselves.

Proverbs 18:12…But humility comes before honor.

James 3:13. Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his good deeds with gentleness and humility of true wisdom.

Humility can also be reflected in our prayers. Our faith and attitude in prayer is what makes us receive answers from God. Mark 7:29 And He said to her, “Because of this answer reflecting your humility and faith, go knowing that your request has been granted; the demon has left your daughter.

Humility is the qualification of making to heaven. Luke 18:17 “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God with faith and humility like a child will not enter it at all.”

God desires for us to have the mindset that Christ had. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Phillipians 2:8-11  

God doesn’t look at things from the world’s perspective. Humbly submit to Him. Use your gifts diligently and soon you’ll find yourself in the place he has designated for you.