3Jan

humility: a one word focus

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:18, NIV

The new year is off, running, and pulling you along with it. Perhaps you’ve faithfully posted your thoughtful resolutions and set brand new goals for the year. Maybe you took a short cut on a newly inspired quest for simplicity and repurposed last year’s version. Maybe you just said, “Whatever.”

For those that made some kind of  commitment for the new year, it’s the first week and we know you have your focus on.

Alece, at Grit & Glory, delivered an inspiring challenge regarding the new year–she disrupted thinking a usual with the idea of a one word non-resolution resolution.  Alece picked one simple, powerful word to live by for the year.  Her idea was contagious, so we’re going to start the year with a focus on one word, too.

One simple, powerful word.

Humilty –noun the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, etc.

Synonyms - lowliness, meekness, submissiveness.

Antonym –  pride.

Now humility isn’t a word that naturally fits into then online culture today. Still, it defines the life of a believer. It’s a holy requirement from a holy God and that’s enough authorization for us. We’re going to get grounded in the days ahead and take a deeper dive into humility and what it means specifically – lived out online.

Stick with us. Help us unpack it more as the week goes on…

Post/Tweet this:

Humility isn’t just way to walk, it’s a holy expectation for a life well-lived. #LiveSticky

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word humble?

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Anne-Mann/1196757357 Anne Mann

    Humility…Great 1 word resolution….I have to agree!

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  • http://twitter.com/SandraHeskaKing SandraHeskaKing

    The first thing I thought of was feet. And Jesus washing feet. Then I thought of horses’ feet. Then the big horse’s foot that stepped on my little foot and couldn’t even feel me leaning on him to get off. (His name was Nuisance–and he was.) Then I thought of meek. And then power. And then power under control.

    The end.

  • Tami Heim

    Sandy – I love your mind.

  • Tami Heim

    Anne – if you had to pick one word – what would it be?

  • Anonymous

    Strength.

  • Susan Tallakaon

    Who me? As hard as it is to become humble or live humbily it is something that is asked of us to do.As hard as it is the gifts that come from it are completely amazing and can only be from him.The more humble I am, the more treasures he has given me.I choose to call them treasures,because they are only found with his help!

  • http://kimcashtate.com Kim Cash Tate

    I don’t know what my one word is, but I sure love HUMILITY. Ever since reading @stickyJesus, humility has been in the forefront of my mind in my online interactions and posts. As you made clear, while the world would have us to stream Me, Me, Me, God would have us to elevate Him and His ways. I’m looking forward to you sharing more about this one word in 2011. Our flesh needs constant reminders to stay humble.

  • http://twitter.com/gritandglory Alece

    humility is definitely counter-cultural. but it’s Christ-cultural.

    i love the way it’s worded in micah 6:8 — “walk humbly with your God”. i usually think of humility in terms of my interactions with other people. but that passage specifically calls us to walk humbly with God. for me, i think that means being authentic and honest about where i’m at, praying with sincerity (rather than eloquence), pouring my heart out like water before Him, going to Him first (not as a last resort). it means being mindful of my weakness and my need for His strength. being quick to repent. actively relying on His guidance and wisdom.

    this was really good for me to think through this morning. thank you tami!

  • Michelle Sarabia

    When I think of humble, my flesh thinks tape over the mouth, tied up to a chair, kicking and screaming.

    My spirit knows it should say obedience.

  • http://twitter.com/quiet_thoughts Melissa Goldsmith

    I think of all the people in my life that give me the best advice and love me well and that’s the word I think of when I look at them. They live their lives with humility and it’s lovely.

  • http://www.justachick.com Dedra herod

    Humble= less of worldly self more of self in Christ

    Striving to be grateful, honest, surrendered and authentic about our daily walk.. wherever He takes us.

    Alece certainly does that… as do Tami & Toni. Thank you. I am a grateful sojourner.

  • http://www.tonyjalicea.com Tony Alicea

    One of my pastors always says “love gives, humility receives”. I believe that humility is a position of realizing that you are in need and being willing and able to receive that which you do not have. It is the antithesis of independence and self-sufficiency.

  • http://twitter.com/cherylpickett cherylpickett

    Choosing one word seems to be a common theme already this year. I don’t have one for myself yet but I saw at least one other person post about theirs on FB I think it was and our Pastor chose one word for our church theme this year, that being love and all the forms it takes within the body of Christ.

    One other thing I wanted to mention is that the person’s note I read on FB also mentioned buying one of those transparent wall clings with her word on it. Thought you might appreciate that idea.

    Have a blessed and joy-filled 2011!

  • Tami Heim

    Thanks for sharing Alece. You inspired us to dive deep this week and jump on the non-resolution-resolution train with you!

  • Tami Heim

    Kim – We can tell that you are prayerfully posting and keeping the focus all on Him. Thanks for being a great example for all of us.

  • Tami Heim

    Susan – that’s a lovely way to think about His gifts to us. Treasures. I am holding onto that one!

  • Tami Heim

    Cheryl – Great idea about the wall cling. I am a believer in using things like that to help us keep our focus. I wear a wrist band from Haiti so I remember to pray for them daily – I know first hand how something so simple works! Thanks for sharing.

  • Tami Heim

    That phrase, “love gives, humility receives” is loaded with truth. You are right on that pride enjoys feeding our feelings and need for self-sufficiency and independence. We always appreciate your insights, Tony. Thanks!

  • Tami Heim

    As do you – Dedra. As do you.

  • Tami Heim

    Me too, Melissa. That’s what I see in them, too.

  • http://twitter.com/heartcures Melinda Lancaster

    When I think of humility my mind goes back to the words of John the Baptist who said that he was unworthy to loosen the strap of Jesus’ sandal. John had done much to prepare the way for Christ, but he knew his rightful place was one of humble surrender.
    For me humility includes a mindset that says “He must increase, but I must decrease.” When I humble myself I strip myself of all of my perceived rights & accomplishments and acknowledge that they are NOTHING in the presence of a Holy God. In a spirit of submissiveness I surrender my ideas, issues, and ultimately–everything to the One to Whom all power belongs.

  • Tami Heim

    Surrender is the word that comes to my mind and heart as well, Melinda. I know some think of surrender as something that happens when a person is defeated – in this case it feels like love to me.

  • http://twitter.com/heartcures Melinda Lancaster

    In thinking about surrender I can’t but help consider our Lord Jesus Christ. He ultimately surrendered His life to die a cruel death on a gnarly cross so that we might live forever. If that’s not love than I don’t know what is.

    But then again, when I really think about it, His entire life demonstrated this word “humility” at it’s finest. It’s interesting how LOVE was so humble.

    Hmmm…now I’ve got more to think about :-)