Post #4: Living in Humility

Humility is Good Soil

Andrew Murray said, “Humility is the only soil in which the graces root; the lack of humility is the sufficient explanation of every defect and failure.”  Murray, a pastor and writer from the late-18th and early-19th centuries in South Africa, is one of the many voices from history who lifts up the importance of humility. 

When I plant flowers in a pot or a tree in the ground, I make sure I am using healthy soil.  Without a nutritious environment, the plant won’t grow. 

In becoming a student of Jesus, we nurture “good soil” in our hearts.  In this good soil, the graces can thrive:  obedience to God, and all the attributes of divine love. The fruit of the Holy Spirit thrives in the soil of humility.   Humility creates an environment in which Christ-like qualities can thrive and grow. 

Humility is the soil in which gratitude grows. 

Humility acknowledges God as the giver of every good gift. 

Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”  

Without humility, you can’t be thankful when life beats you up.  

Without humility, I can’t forgive when I’m insulted or disrespected. 

Without humility, I can’t volunteer my time to serve someone who has no way of paying me back.  

Without humility, I can’t shut up and listen to my wife’s side of an argument.  

Without humility, I can’t graciously bend with the changing seasons and responsibilities of my life. 

Leave a comment