A truly humble man is hard to find, yet God delights to honor such selfless people. Booker T. Washington, the renowned black educator, was an outstanding example of this truth. Shortly after he took over the presidency of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, he was walking in an exclusive section of town when he was stopped by a wealthy white woman. Not knowing the famous Mr. Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by chopping wood for her. Because he had no pressing business at the moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do the humble chore she had requested. When he was finished, he carried the logs into the house and stacked them by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady.
The next morning the embarrassed woman went to see Mr. Washington in his office at the Institute and apologized profusely. “It’s perfectly all right, Madam,” he replied. “Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend.” She shook his hand warmly and assured him that his meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart. Not long afterward she showed her admiration by persuading some wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute. Our Daily Bread.
Because a humble person is hard to find, Andrew Murray wrote an important book, Humility: The Beauty of Holiness. The topic is difficult to write about because humility is a human characteristic that was lost in the Fall, and is contrary to the natural man. Only God can make a person humble. The grace of humility is a gift of God that comes through regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and by imitation of Christ. Nevertheless, because humility is essential to living out the ethics of the Christian life, every Christian must long for humility, and seek it diligently in a spiritual manner. Humility is not an option for the Church, it is essential for her authenticity and salvation. I commend to you, Humility: The Beauty of Holiness.
Are You a Humble Person?
A Self-Test
Respond privately, and honestly, to the following statements.
My spirit is characterized by humility. True_____ False_____
I try to walk in the Holy Spirit. True_____ False_____
I test the spirits according to gospel terms. True_____ False_____
I prefer others before myself. True_____ False_____
I love other Christians. True_____ False_____
I enjoy being a servant to others. True_____ False_____
I want to know the graces of humility. True_____ False_____
I do not contend or argue with others. True_____ False_____
I long to have a heart of compassion, kindness, and meekness. True_____ False_____
I feel no jealousy or envy when others are preferred before me. True_____ False_____
I praise God when others are preferred and blessed over me. True_____ False_____
I do not mind hearing others praised and self-forgotten. True_____ False_____
I have received the meek spirit of Jesus. True_____ False_____
I am not impatient. True_____ False_____
I am not touchy or hyper-sensitive. True_____ False_____
I do not express hard thoughts about others. True_____ False_____
I do not speak sharply against the failures of others. True_____ False_____
I display compassion towards others. True_____ False_____
I show kindness. True_____ False_____
I display meekness. True_____ False_____
I am longsuffering. True_____ False_____
