Gospel-Humble

I’ve been really working on getting rid of my ego. It really seems to get in the way of my life and living fully and abundantly. The ego always seems to say, Not enough or Not good or You did better than… Comparison is such a horrible way to live. Wouldn’t you agree? Or not feeling like you’ve measured up continually. Both are destructive.

One may pump themselves up or downplay and demean who they are, and neither is good.

In my pursuit of ego reducing, I read the book, The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller.

It rocked my word. The book focuses on Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.

One mark of a “gospel-humble” person (coined in Keller’s book) is that they are interested in other people. When we have a conversation with a person who is “gospel-humble” we will be struck by how interested they are in us and in what we have to say. 

I have a perfect living and breathing example of this in my friend Priscilla. Meeting new people and talking with anyone is always a treat when I’m in the company of Priscilla. She will ask just the right questions as she listens to people talk about their lives and any current challenges they may be facing. She is always genuinely interested and makes the other person feel valued and important. Just being in the presence of this gives me a rush of inspiration and enthusiasm.

Anytime, I’ve spend time with Priscilla I feel heard and validated. She just has a way about her. The term is “gospel-humble.” That’s what she is a “gospel-humble” person. Once you’ve experienced it, you will never forget it.

Here’s one mark of a truly godly person: When you’ve spoken to them and walk away you are saying, “Wow, I feel good about me” not, “Whoa, aren’t they impressive.”

They are a gospel-humble person.

Another test of a humble person is when they are criticized. If we can accept criticism without feeling devastated, and listen, and then, see it as an opportunity to change, an opportunity for growth, we are well on our way. If we think about it, criticism is just another person giving you their opinion—it may be valid, it may not be valid—but what’s the harm in listening? If we can grow and learn from it, great. And if not, that’s okay too. It doesn’t define us unless we allow it to.

The next time you are criticized try it out. Test yourself.

In the end, if we are forgiven, sealed, and redeemed through Jesus Christ our verdict is in. We are loved and cherished and adored. We can perform according to our verdict. We don’t need to perform for praise or to look good. We don’t need to help others to build ourselves up. We don’t need to do things to fill our emptiness. The most important opinion—God’s—finds us valuable and worthy and lovable.

We are free to live fully and do good things for the joy of doing them. We are free to live out our verdict of being loved just as we are.

Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus.

– Romans 8:1

And a voice came from the heavens: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” 

– Mark 1:11

God is saying to you: “You are my beloved child in whom I am well pleased.” The verdict is in, and court is adjourned.

For more from Lucille Williams The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace, is available now! For your marriage, From Me to We, and The Intimacy You Crave will help your relationship thrive. And Turtle Finds His Talent for ages 2-6. Subscribe to LuSays today for weekly encouragement.

*The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy by Timothy Keller, 10Publishing; 1^st Edition (March 27, 2012)