Choosing Humility: Embrace Surrender, Not Submission!

 

Life is indeed a wild ride filled with highs and lows. One minute, you're celebrating a well-deserved promotion, and the next, you're left feeling deflated after realizing you missed an essential point in a meeting or were overlooked for a project. In these moments, our pride and sense of control are tested, and we might even question who we
are.

These experiences can push us in two very different directions. They can either guide us toward a more profound sense of humility, a transformative journey of learning and growth or drag us down into feelings of humiliation. At first, it might seem like a tiny difference, but the spiritual journey that unfolds from each path is incredibly significant. It's all about how we respond to these ups and downs, shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Humility is an intentional act, a conscious decision to bow before God, while humiliation is often a harsh consequence—a stumble we didn't choose. As Lysa TerKeurst states, "The difference between humility is that one bowed low and tripped and fell to get there." Her wisdom invites us to examine our hearts and consider how these concepts shape our relationship with God and our choices when facing life's inevitable challenges. When we embrace true humility, we open ourselves to a deeper, more authentic connection with our faith. This sacred space allows God's love to flow through us unobstructed by ego or pretense. Humiliation, though painful, can become a blessing when it leads us back to this humble place of surrender.

Humility: The Willingness to Surrender

Humility is a heart posture—a choice. It is bowing before God in complete surrender, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours and that our efforts fall short. It's saying, "Lord, I trust You with my life. I know I don't have all the answers, but I believe You do." This surrender comes from a deep place of trust and faith. It's not about lowering yourself to prove something to others or out of self-condemnation but about lifting God up and acknowledging His greatness. Humility allows us to freely submit to God's will because He is trustworthy. When we humble ourselves, we open the door for God to work in us, to mold us, and to guide us. Jesus Himself modeled this kind of humility. Philippians 2:8 tells us, "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Jesus, though the Son of God, humbled Himself for our sake. Humility says, "Not my will, but Yours be done." It's a conscious choice to let go of our need to control and rest in His sovereignty's peace.

Humiliation: The Forced Fall

On the other hand, humiliation happens to us when we don't willingly surrender. It's when life forces us down, often painfully and uncomfortably. The fall occurs when we refuse to bow before God, thinking we can manage independently. Humiliation may result from pride, stubbornness, or a refusal to submit to God's plan. It's not a choice but something that happens when we are forced into a position of vulnerability. Humiliation can feel like a harsh wake-up call. We risk disgrace or embarrassment when we ignore God's prompting and choose our own way. But even in these moments, God's grace is present, even when we face humiliation, and He often uses these moments to teach us the lessons we need to learn. "God opposes the proud but favors the humble" (James 4:6). Humiliation can be an opportunity for God to help us realize our need for Him. Still, it's often much more painful than the gentle invitation to humility.

The Choice Between Humility and Humiliation is Yours

The key difference between humility and humiliation is our choice. Humility is a voluntary surrender to God. It is bowing before Him willingly, with an open heart that recognizes we can't do it alone. When we choose humility, we allow God to shape, refine, and lead us in His perfect will. This choice empowers us, as it is a step towards God's grace and guidance. It's a powerful decision that makes us strong and capable. Humiliation happens when we refuse to bow and instead try to stand on our own. It results from resisting God's hand and forcing our own way. The beautiful thing is that God's grace is abundant. No matter how often we are humiliated, God will always lift us up. His grace is a comforting presence, always ready to teach, restore, and bring us back to humility—where we can surrender fully to His will. This reassurance in God's grace brings a profound sense of peace and security, even in the face of humiliation, providing comfort and reassurance in our spiritual journey.

Choosing Humility

God's invitation beckons us to embrace humility before Him—a beautiful call that doesn't come with force or shame. Instead, it's a warm invitation to surrender, guiding us to a place where we can fully experience His peace, grace, and guidance. This isn't just any call; it's a testament to the depth of God's love and care for each of us. It reminds us how truly valued and cherished we are and instills a sense of worth and significance in our spiritual journey.

Humility isn't a sign of weakness; it's a powerful stance of the heart that acknowledges, "I need You, God." When approaching Him with this mindset, we discover strength in surrendering our burdens and anxieties.

So, today, let's make a conscious choice: humility over humiliation. Imagine bowing willingly before the King, knowing that each small act of surrender aligns us with His grand purpose. The beauty of it? He promises to lift us up in due time (James 4:10).

God draws near to the humble, and in this surrender, we encounter His presence in profound and unexpected ways—far beyond what we experience when we cling to control. Let's take that step toward Him together and find peace in letting go.