Humility over Self-Glorification
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Definition and Importance:
Humility is the quality of having a modest view of one's importance, characterized by a lack of pride and an acknowledgment of one's limitations and dependence on God. In contrast, self-glorification involves an excessive focus on one's own achievements and abilities, often leading to pride and arrogance. The Bible consistently emphasizes the virtue of humility and warns against the dangers of self-glorification.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible presents humility as a fundamental aspect of a righteous life, essential for a proper relationship with God and others. In the Old Testament, humility is often associated with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 22:4 states, "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life" . This verse highlights the blessings that accompany a humble spirit.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Jesus, though being in the form of God, "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . This passage underscores the depth of Christ's humility and His willingness to forsake divine privileges for the sake of humanity.

Warnings Against Self-Glorification:
The Bible warns against self-glorification, which is often rooted in pride. Proverbs 16:18 cautions, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" . This warning illustrates the perilous nature of pride and the inevitable downfall that follows self-exaltation.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the dangers of self-glorification in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. In Luke 18:14, Jesus concludes, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" . This teaching emphasizes the divine principle that true exaltation comes from God and is reserved for those who humble themselves.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to cultivate humility in their daily lives. This involves recognizing one's dependence on God, valuing others above oneself, and serving others selflessly. James 4:10 encourages believers, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" . This exhortation assures believers that God honors and lifts up those who choose humility over self-glorification.

Furthermore, humility fosters unity and peace within the Christian community. Ephesians 4:2-3 urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . This passage highlights the role of humility in maintaining harmony and love among believers.

Conclusion:
The biblical call to humility over self-glorification is clear and compelling. Through the example of Christ and the teachings of Scripture, believers are encouraged to embrace humility as a pathway to divine favor, spiritual growth, and harmonious relationships.
Subtopics

Humility

Humility is Before Honor

Humility: A Characteristic of Saints

Humility: Abraham

Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce

Humility: Ahab

Humility: Blessedness of

Humility: Centurion

Humility: Christ an Example of

Humility: Cornelius

Humility: David

Humility: Elihu

Humility: Elisabeth

Humility: Elizabeth

Humility: Excellency of

Humility: Exemplified

Humility: General Scriptures Concerning

Humility: Gideon

Humility: Hezekiah

Humility: Isaiah

Humility: Jacob

Humility: Jeremiah

Humility: Job

Humility: John

Humility: John the Baptist

Humility: Joseph

Humility: Joshua

Humility: Josiah

Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life

Humility: Manasseh

Humility: Mephibosheth

Humility: Moses

Humility: Necessary to the Service of God

Humility: Paul

Humility: Peter

Humility: Saints should be Clothed With

Humility: Saints should Beware of False

Humility: Saints should Put On

Humility: Saints should Walk With

Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By

Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom

Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God

Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God

Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God

Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God

Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God

Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace

Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God

Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor

Humility: Want of, Condemned

Humility: Woman of Canaan

The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature

The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet

The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of

The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised

The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate

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Humility Over Pride
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