Bold Humility

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that He had come from God, and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing...and began to wash his disciples' feet."  John 13:3-5

Did you see that?  The Holy Son of God, the Great I AM took off his outer clothes and washed his disciples' feet! The One to whom all creation must bow knelt on the floor and performed the dirtiest of tasks, knowing full well that He was on His way to His own execution.  Doesn't that just make you gasp?  What is that?  What would make Him do such a thing?  One word, Love.  Love for His Father, and love for his followers.

Jesus knew WHO he was (and is) and WHOSE He was (is). Because of that security in His identity and his position, He was able to boldly follow in servanthood.

Bold Humility.

Being certain of our position in Christ gives us the security and boldness to serve others with humility.  We have no need to prove or defend ourselves.  Our proof is already complete in Christ.  Our defense is already made in Christ.  We can walk in humility without concern for what others might think, because we are holy and righteous and we are daughters and sons of the Most High God. 

What does this mean for us and for our children?  It means that we can teach them to serve, to minister, to walk in humility and to do it all boldly.  There is no fear, there is no shame in humility found in Christ.  That's where the boldness comes in.  Our boldness is also in Him.   

I have been troubled recently by the lost art of teaching girls and young women to be Christlike ladies.  Our culture has determined that ladylike characteristics are weak and less than desirable.  The world says that "girls can do everything boys can do".  The world says that riotous behavior is more fun that righteous behavior.  The world says that outward beauty is worth more than inward beauty.  And so our girls want to be funny, they want to be strong, they want to be loud and they want to be beautiful.  We have lost the art of teaching them to be graceful and gracious and quiet and...yes...beautiful.  We do them a great disservice. 

Instead, we should show them how to live in bold humility.  Not ashamed of their gracefulness or graciousness or inward beauty, but confident in their position in Christ.  That confidence is a most beautiful, most desirable, most Christlike trait. 


He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8


Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  1Corinthians 13:4


Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12