As we continue to look at the concept of true greatness (serving others to the glory of God), I wanted to highlight some practical ways that we can pursue this kind of humility. Today’s suggestion is presented in length in Mahaney’s book on Humility.
Identify evidences of grace in others.
The Apostle Paul is a faithful example for us in this area. Just consider this common greeting that he gives in 1 Corinthians 1:4, “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus” (ESV). One of the best ways that we can be in pursuit of humility is to look up, and see that God is at work in the lives of others. Pride tends to blind us of the work of God in others. When we are proud we often feel that God is only working in our lives. Pride also causes us to be overly aware of the areas that others need to improve on, rather than the evidences of grace that are already present in their lives.
How do we become more aware of evidences of grace in the lives of others? One suggestion that Mahaney gives is to become intimately familiar with the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Peter 4:11). As we grow in our awareness and love of these workings of the Spirit, we will become increasingly aware, and joyful, of these as we see them in the lives of others.
It is very important for us to understand that these things are not just positive things about an individual, but they are evidences of grace from God. This ensures that as we observe these things, the honor and glory will go to the proper individual, God. Remember, the definition of true greatness is aimed at the glory of God. We do not wish to praise one another for good works, but praise God for his grace in our lives. Consider Philippians 1:6, “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”(ESV) Keeping this in mind will help us give proper praise to God for the evidences of grace that we see in others, and it will also humble us as others note evidences of grace in us. It will humble us in that we will know that we have no ground for boasting in these things, they are evidences of God’s free grace.
There are opportunities to identify evidences of grace all around you, in your family, and in the church. Don’t miss these evidences of grace, for through them we pursue humility and true greatness in the sight of God.
