Biblical Answer

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Your Question:

What is the role of humility in the face of success and recognition when our actions have a ripple effect on the world?

Answer:

As a pastor and a husband, I've seen firsthand the impact our actions can have on those around us. When we experience success and recognition, it's easy to let pride creep in and distort our perspective. However, humility reminds us that our knowledge and understanding are not the ultimate source of truth, but rather a reflection of God's grace and reality. As the Bible says, "Reality, not our preferences, needs to be the ultimate source and authority of truth."

Humility is not about denying our knowledge or accomplishments, but rather about recognizing the source of all good things and being thankful for God's gifts. It's about acknowledging our dependence on Him and being willing to submit ourselves to His will. As Andrew Murray points out, human humility is grounded in our existence as creatures, and it's a virtue that recognizes our limitations and weaknesses. When we're humble, we're more likely to listen, learn, and grow, rather than becoming arrogant and self-focused.

In the face of success and recognition, humility reminds us to keep a proper handle on reality and not overblow secondary theological differences. It's about keeping the main thing the main thing: unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in all things. As a pastor, I've seen how pride can masquerade as humility, and how self-denigration can be an attempt to gain attention or avoid vulnerability. But true humility is about being willing to submit ourselves to God's will, love His truth, and live in accordance with His character.

Sources:

no doubt about it
winfried corduran
proverbs
lindsay wilson
concise history christian thought
tony lane
history eschatology
n t wright
ephesians
darrell bock
christian apologetics
douglas groothius
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin

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