Yet just because I am loud, does not necessarily mean I am proud.
For I have found that too think of oneself as humble is to think too much about oneself.
I have found that many view humility as a personality trait, such as quietness or timidity. Many of those I view to be humble have such traits, yet some of the most humble people I know are loud and apologetic, crazy and sincere, opinionated and dependent.
Jesus instructed us to be "poor in spirit" in his famous sermon on the mount. I believe to be "poor in spirit" is to be needy for something I cannot provide myself. I cannot be humble by myself. It is human nature to be proud. I have to chose to be dependent upon Jesus. I believe He will teach me how to live in a way that reflects His image and brings glory to Him, not me.
One of my favorite authors, Beth Moore points out that, "True intimacy with God always brings humility."
Another one of my favorite quotes on this subject reads,
"Humility does not mean you think less of yourself. It means you think of yourself less."
-Ken Blanchard
The Bible tells us to " humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor." 1 Peter 5:6
I was raised in church and literally cut my teeth on the back of the pew!! I saw and heard a lot of things I believed to be true. As I grow somewhat comfortably and very uncomfortably into my 30's, I realize that every idea and sermon I heard were not necessarily gospel.
I adopted a silly idea that because I was an extrovert and liked to be on stage, that I was proud and needed to be humbled. I lived years trying to be a good girl who was quiet and full of submission (another misinterpretation of scripture of which I will share more at a later time.) I quit being funny, outgoing Kari in order to be good little christian girl. I stopped making people laugh and traded my joy for bondage. I am digging my way out of a mindset that says I am too much and realizing it is Jesus that makes me anything at all. Because He lives in me, I can have confidence…a confidence that comes from Him, not an arrogance blooming out of my selfish desires.
I understand completely that I have not figured it out or arrived, nor never will. The opinions in my blogs are not meant to be gospel, but I do plan to be honest and real in such a way that you know my love for the truth. The Gospel. The Good News.
Therefore, I pray I speak truthfully from an honest heart as I unveil my secret recipes for my "humble pie" to you….
And as I make myself look uncouth with "my" truth, I hope it tastes good to you!
