Proverbs 15:33 English Standard Version (ESV) The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

It seems appropriate to speak about humility after yesterday’s word on glory.

Think about the one person that best represents humility.

Now remember what it is about this person that reminds us of humility.

The obvious is easy. They do not talk about themselves and their accomplishments.

What is special about their speech?

Do they seem to be able to use wisdom effectively?

Do they find a way to help without making us feel judged?

Do they offer alternatives without making us feel stupid?

Does their speech contain effortless grace?

Are they someone who is heard without seeking attention?

Are others drawn to that person in gatherings?

Do we wish to be more like that person?

Can we see Christ is glorified in them because they are humble?

Can we catch just a glimpse of the Jesus we want to know?

Then perhaps that person became humble because they understood that the fear of the Lord is reverence for His Word. That led to wisdom and the correct application of wisdom led to humility.

We cannot be humble just because we know it is the right thing to do. It is a personal characteristic that is build one line at a time and one precept at a time.

There is not express lane to humility.

John 13:31-32 English Standard Version

³¹ When he ^[Judas] had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. ³² If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.

We often think in worldly terms of glory. Heroes are glorified for saving lives. Athletes are glorified for their accomplishments. Heisman trophy winners are glorified for being the best in class.

Here in the gospel of John are the words of Jesus Himself in what it means for God to be glorified.

Jesus is the Son of Man. When He is glorified the Father is glorified. When the father glorifies Jesus it is in Himself. Nowhere in this description of glory is any one of us mentioned. We are not glorified in any way in this description of glory.

We are never glorified by God the Father.

Christ in us is glorified because He shows Himself according to the measure of glory that the Father shows Himself in Christ.

It never has been nor ever will be about what we have achieved.

Obedience of faith isn’t glory, it is duty served. When we obey God it is God who is glorified, it is Jesus who is glorified and we do not cause glory in what happens.

The flesh, which opposes the Spirit, seeks recognition, seeks accolades, and will seek attention from others because the flesh can never receive glory apart from what the world provides.

Glory is the reputation of God in the essence of His Son Jesus Christ in all that He does.

A cup is a coffee cup only because someone poured coffee into it. It cannot pour out anything other than what has been put into it.

We are His vessel. We are not in control of His glory poured in or out of us.