Favour Comes from Humility

I do wonder if the world has forgotten about the word 'humility'?  Do people see this as an attribute or a weakness?  Are we really humble, or are we just portraying ourselves as humble?  

Being humble means we must have an accurate view of ourselves, free from ego or arrogance, as well as recognising our own faults and limitations, a willingness to learn from others and to focus on others needs rather than just our own. 

C S Lewis puts it like this ' humility is not thinking less of yourself, but as thinking of yourself less often.  

I think we can learn a lot from the story of Ruth when we look deeper into humility. Naomi had become a widow and wanted to return to Bethlehem from Moab.  She tried to persuade her daughters to stay and not to go with her, but Ruth refused to leave her alone.  She decided not to just think of herself but put the needs of her family above her own. 

Ruth 1 16-17

"Where you go I will go and where you stay, I will stay.  Your people will be my people, and your God, my God. 

Ruth promised to stay with Naomi and go with her wherever she went and only death could part them.  Ruth showed unwavering love and kindness for Naomi. She was very faithful and trusted God's higher plan despite the difficulties and sacrifices. Ruth humbly decided to help Naomi by working as a lowly servant in a field. It was hard work in the dust and heat, and she didn't know what the future might hold for her but she trusted God with her life and the outcomes. 

Unbeknown to Ruth, her master Boaz, started to notice Ruth,  He recognised her hard work, loyalty and commitment to helping her family and in doing so gained great respect from him. Her humble demeaner meant Boaz granted her favour and gave her extra grain to take home. 

Boaz also noticed Ruth's noble character shining through everything she did. Ruth also showed Boaz much respect and honour for providing work and food for her family. All of these attributes made Ruth stand out.  She was humble but with a strong, loyal character. Because of Ruth's faithfulness and kindness, Boaz gradually fell in love with Ruth and they got married. Eventually, they had a son called Obed. Obed was the grandfather of King David and many years later Jesus came from the same family tree. 

Isn't it amazing how helping someone so kindly and humbly, could lead to such an amazing outcome!  What a high position for Ruth now to be in.....in the family line of Jesus!

When we do things for others humbly, you can be sure that God notices and will reward you.  The biggest and most successful things we do in life may not shout the loudest.  Sometimes it's the small things we do faithfully that really count. Will we humbly help others, even when there appears to be nothing in it for ourselves?

Let God's divine favour flow in you today through the power of humility!