As I was praying about this week’s blog, I began to see the relationship between humility and thankfulness. I pulled out a small book by Andrew Murray titled, Humility, The Beauty of Holiness.
Murray pulled me in with the first two lines of the preface. “There are 3 great motives that urge us to humility. It becomes me as a creature, as a sinner, as a saint.” Murray goes on to outline, not only the book, but he demonstrates why Humility is foundational to thankfulness.
When we understand who we really are, if we are honest, it can only lead to giving thanks.
As a creature
Grasping that we are creatures, made by the Creator of all things, puts us in a place under the Creator. We are not slaves, but it is essential for us to acknowledge our Creator as the ultimate higher power. We are much loved creatures, chosen and called to rule and reign over this planet with God’s help. We are people of both dignity and destiny. A reason to be thankful.
As a sinner
Humility is much deeper than recognizing the guilt we deserve for our separation from God. What God did is the only perfect way to bring justice the broken relationship. Because we have been bought with the price of Jesus’ life, God is inviting us to become more like Christ. We are now in relationship, not a contract. That is why we are thankful. Which leads to the last point in Murray’s opening sentences.
As a saint
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” . . . God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2: 4-5; 8-10
This grace is mind boggling to me, while I hold it in tension with my absolute need for it.
Humility and thankfulness
Without humility, thankfulness too easily becomes a work with which we attempt to gain favor. I find these kinds of works alone are in direct opposition to authentic thankfulness. Humility and thankfulness, however, flow hand in hand from the love of God.
Abba, as we come to this Thanksgiving holiday, may we rest in Your finished work on our behalf. We choose to humbly recognize and thank You as the source of all of our provision. Amen
