I’ve been studying / meditating through Ephesians 4:1-16 in preparation for Sunday’s message.

One interesting observation I’ve been wrestling with is related to humility.

Ephesians 4:1—3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (ESV)

How do you know you are humble?

Dangerous question to ask, but a necessary question to ponder since humility is core value for the Christian.

In trying to find a way to explain humility and teach in a way that is helpful, particularly for men, I started looking at the flow of the passages.

How do you know if you are humble?
Do you show gentleness?
Do you show patience?
Do you bear with the weaknesses of others?

Notice progression

Humility is evident in gentleness.
True gentleness is expressed in patience.
Patience is real when it is tested.  When we have to “put up with one another” because you have been wronged or they continue to fail.
That is evidence of love and an eagerness to maintain the unity of the Spirit.

While I’ve been thinking about this friend and former colleague, Greg Despres, posted this image and definition on humility.  Check out his blog.

Serving the Purposes of God and others (Phil 2:3-4) for the Glory of God (1 Cor 10:31) with the Gifts that God has given you (Rom 12:3).