What do the books The Pursuit of Holiness, Trusting God, Respectable Sins, and The Discipline of Grace have in common? They are all written by late Christian author, Jerry Bridges. Bridges has been a staple in the Christian community writing numerous books, and speaking on a number of occasions at different Christian conferences all over the world. His books have sold over a million copies and continue to inspire individuals each day to live a life that honors Jesus. In a society that has increasingly been plagued with a focus on self (self-worth, self-image, etc.), Bridges in his latest and last book*, The Blessing of Humility, calls Christians to think more of others and less of themselves.
I love what Bridges has done in this short account. He has taken the Beatitudes from Matthew 5, and uses it to build a lesson on humility. Beginning with Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Bridges shows that, “Those who are poor in spirit tend to look upon other believers as better than themselves.” It is often easy for us to look upon ourselves as “not sinful” while looking upon others as “sinful.” Bridges points out that the opposite should occur. [inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”” suffix=””]A humble attitude allows us to look at ourselves as we really are: sinners needing the grace of God.[/inlinetweet]
We must remember the Apostle Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 3, that in the last days’ men will be lovers of self. His admonishment should prompt believers to pursue an attitude of humility. We should frequently ask ourselves whether we think more of others than ourselves. Bridges uses this treatise to build his case for humility by relating it back to the Cross, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Humility is not a bold proclamation of claiming to be humble, but rather the acknowledgement of one who falls short of being what he should be.
The Blessing of Humility is a great book which I recommend every Christian to read. It helps the reader to think more of others. In a world where selfies, and self promotion reigns supreme, this is a clear call to walk as Jesus walked.
Jesus thought more about what was best for others than He did for himself. We all should take heed of this clear instruction from our Lord. Philippians 2:1-4 states, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others.”
*Jerry Bridges went to be with his Savior and Lord on March 6, 2016.