Functional Humility

Humility is a big deal in God's economy – for God's leaders – for God's people.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."  James 4:6

1.  Humility starts with questions. 

  • ·        Questions that cause you to doubt that must be dealt with.

Moses asked – Who am I?

Exodus 3:

11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"

Pharaoh asked – Who is God?

Exodus 5:

2 Pharaoh said, "Who is the Lord , that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go."

  •   Questions asked that test your listening skills.

Exodus 4:

2 Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff," he replied. 

  •   Questions that equip you

Jethro asked What are you doing?

14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?"

  • Questions that are not questions but rather accusations

The Israelites asked questions at the Red Sea in Exodus 14

10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. 

11 They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 

12 Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

Moses ignores the accusation and address the issue.  Look at his response that denotes humility – not anger in this situation.

13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.