All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5b
“I do not know whether I have put this clearly; self-knowledge is of such consequence that I would not have you care less of it, though you may be lifted to heaven in prayer, because while on earth nothing is more needful than humility. Therefore, I repeat, not only a good way, but the best of all ways, is to endeavor to enter first by the room where humility is practised, which is far better than at once rushing on to the others. This is the right road; if we know how easy and safe it is to walk by it, why ask for wings with which to fly? Let us rather try to learn how to advance quickly. I believe we shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God, for, beholding His greatness we are struck by our own baseness, His purity shows our foulness, and by meditating on His humility we find how very far we are from being humble.”
Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) in The Interior Castle (Grand Rapids: CCEL) p. 27.
We have shifted from one classic to another. The next few posts will explore what is needful in The Interior Castle by Teresa of Ávila. And the header photo from Lalazar Track in Nathiagali, Pakistan reflects my hope for Daily Meditations.
Notice the tree. It’s got bright green new growth. As you read and apply the ideas in each meditation, I pray new growth appears in your life. And don’t miss at least two takeaways here to help you have generous impact.
First, choose the road or way of humility. Whatever work or ministry you have today. Approach it with humility. Or as the apostle Peter says, clothe yourself with humility. Why? God will show favor and grace to you.
Second, to grow in humility focus your energy on knowing God. Why? I love how Teresa put it, “His purity shows our foulness, and by meditating on His humility we find how very far we are from being humble.”
Father in heaven, forgive our foulness. We need to grow in humility, thank you for setting an example for us. By your Spirit help us follow it so we grow in generosity. Because of your love for us, hear this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.