If we lack humility it is because we first lack the awe that comes from a “divine center.” Most of us attempt to understand ourselves relative to those around us. This is a grave error. We set ourselves at the center of our world and then proceed to access the relative merits and flaws of those around us. Our concept of humility is not completely absent; it is simply impaired because it lacks a divine center. Our concept of humility is situational.

For instance, when I go out to play basketball I am very aware of those around me. Without much effort I can size up the competition and determine where I fit in the pecking order on that particular day. If I accidentally stumble into a gym where several NBA players happen to be looking for a pickup game, I quickly become “humble.” That is, I say very little about my jump shot, or ball handling skills, and if I speak at all it is an act of contrition or a plea for mercy. At the very least I offer a disclaimer, “Hey guys, I am not very good so take it easy on me.” In fact, given that situation I may be so “humbled” that I will not even consider myself worthy to play with them.

If, however, on the same day I show up and the players appear to be mediocre, flailing around, dribbling the ball off their feet and struggling to make a shot, then I approach very differently. My head is high, my chest inflated, I dribble the ball between my legs and confidently declare, “I got next.” The question is, “Am I a humble person or am I a prideful person? Who am I really?” Most of us, if put into an intimidating situation. will act humbly—for awhile. That is situational humility. It is nothing like the humility of Christ, which remained intact in spite of the situation. Christ, who was superior to everyone he ever came in contact with (in every way that matters), rarely asserted himself. Humility for Jesus was just a given, regardless of the context.

Humility is a condition of the heart that is unaltered by a change in context. Humility demands that the gaze of the heart be constantly fixed on the majesty of God. True humility has God as its center. As long as we are content to measure ourselves in human terms then we will always be better than someone. The illusion of our own righteousness will remain intact. Only before God is it completely and utterly dismantled.

—Brian Sanders