On Micah 6

Humility has been the topic of discussion at Immanuel over the last week, as another part of our investigation of that ancient prophetic credo: do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. And before I jot down some thoughts on humility, I'd first like to confess something about the Bible. The paradoxes that so many find dilutes and weakens the ancient books are what I find most intriguing about it. These paradoxes are, to me, the Bible's version of "strange loops", to borrow the phrase, and not only are present in this profound statement from Micah, but can be found throughout the literature, most especially in the teachings and person of Jesus. Because they both are truths that are mutually exclusive in our logic, their codependency and relationship points to a truth that is beyond human reason, and is at the root, I feel, of all things transcendent. If the contradiction in this particular command isn't immediately obvious, here's what it means to me... if doing justly means giving only what is deserved (punishment), and mercy means giving forbearance, can you do both, and if so, how does that work? I think we take this contradiction for granted, because these words have been rendered so trite by over usage, and we rarely pause to think how very ironic so many of the things we believe in really are.

And what about humility? The most lucid thought Kester provided on this topic is that humility is two fold. First, it connotes penitence, which is what we often understand about humility. Secondly, and less commonly spoken of, comes after contrition, and it is to not only acknowledge the sinful condition, but take the step further to put all things under divine control. In effect, an acknowledgement of sinfulness is only the first, and perhaps simplest step in becoming humble. But for humility to come to fruition, Kester suggests we must go that last step in allowing Jesus to truly be a Lord.

For me, this last bit is somewhat complicated. Not only is it exceedingly difficult if not impossible to accomplish, but for the past few years I have been personally wrestling with how much of God's will actually concerns my life, and for more years than those I have been annoyed with how much we obsess over the will of God and forget to know God, and come about his will organically. I've come a great deal closer to deism in this process, and am knocking on far more 'sinister' positions, and yet I feel in my heart and through reason that there are many paths all of which may be equal in God's sight, that God is not a personal God as He would be painted as through western evangelicalism, and that at the end of the day, the choice has ultimately been mine by design, and that the divine agenda will be accomplished through any choice. Certainly, there are things that are better, and I do reach for those.

I think God's will is summed up pretty concisely by the prophets, and by Christ himself in the two greatest commandments. Beyond that, does God really care where I live? I don't think so. For some reason, and I hate myself for this hypocrisy... I still pray about it even though I don't believe I should, nor do I trust to hope that there will be an answer. There isn't. And yet...

So what do I think humility is? I certainly think Kester is on to something. In my own thoughts and words I would say that humility is the condition of looking at oneself as one is, recognizing fully what it means to be in this human condition. Secondly, I think we focus far to much on the notion of humiliation, of lowering oneself. I think being humble is less about us and more about others. Less about lowering ourselves and more about the raising of others. It is not a lowering of our condition, but an active elevation of environment. Lastly, i think there is a great deal of altruism in humility. Instead of grabbing up the sackcloth and rubbing on ashes, how about we change someones life because we honestly believe they deserve it more than we do? There is the work of the humble man.