Humility Is the Beauty of Holiness
Humility is the foundation of all virtues and is essential for a Christian's profession, leading to a deeper relationship with God.
Bishop M.A. Lalachan emphasizes the importance of humility as the foundation of all virtues, quoting Jesus' words that the greatest among us will be servants and those who humble themselves will be exalted. He highlights that true holiness is found in humility, as seen in the examples of Jesus, Paul, and Peter. Lalachan explains that humility is essential for Christians, as it adorns their profession and keeps them thankful and meek. He illustrates that God dwells in the humble heart, contrasting it with the pride that leads to destruction and separation from God.
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Bible says, "The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance. The most holy person is the most humble person. Jesus said "Learn from Me--for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29."Unto me who am less than the least of all saints," said the great Paul in Ephesians 3:8.
Peter said "Clothe yourselves with humility." (1 Peter 5:5.) Of all garments, humility best fits Christians, and best adorns their profession. A Christian should look with one eye upon God's grace--to keep him thankful; and with the other eye upon himself--to keep him meek. "Humility is royalty without a crown." The most holy men--are always the lowliest men. Where humility is the corner-stone, there piety is the top-stone. God Almighty has two houses in which He dwells: His city-house, and His country-house.
His city-house is the heaven of heavens; and His country-house is the humble and lowly heart! Isaiah 57:15, "I dwell in the high and holy place," that is, in heaven, God's city-house; "and also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit," that is God's country-house. Humility is a 'Bethel' for God's dwelling-place! Pride is a 'Babel' for the devil's residence! If you do not keep pride out of your soul and your soul out of pride--pride will keep your soul out of heaven! "Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life."I will not say, that a poor man is never proud--but I will say, that a proud man is never godly. James 4:16, "God resists the proud--but gives grace to the humble."
Sermon Outline
- The Foundation of Humility
- The Character of a Holy Person
- The Importance of Humility in Christian Life
- The Relationship Between Humility and God
- Humility is a dwelling-place for God
- Pride is a hindrance to God's presence
Key Quotes
“Humility is royalty without a crown.” — Bishop M.A. Lalachan
“Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life.” — Bishop M.A. Lalachan
“I will not say, that a poor man is never proud--but I will say, that a proud man is never godly.” — Bishop M.A. Lalachan
Application Points
- Cultivate humility in your life by looking to God's grace and yourself to keep you thankful and meek.
- Recognize that pride is a hindrance to God's presence in your life.
- Prepare your mind for life's changes by embracing humility as the only true wisdom.