Griffin Speaks

WALKING HUMBLY WITH GOD

One of the most important lessons that you can teach your child is how to walk humbly with God. "…And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

Every day I strive to demonstrate to my children how to walk humbly through life. I remind them daily that they have done absolutely nothing on their own to deserve the standard of living that they enjoy. They were simply born into a family where the lack of money is not the central issue.

Living well beneath my means has helped my children to stay humble. Alexis came home one day and told me that one of her school friends said that her father told her that she could not visit her because we lived in a bad neighborhood (Haardt Estates). The friend lived in (Capitol Heights). My first response was to tell Alexis to ask the friend, "…And how many rental houses does your father own…?" (Griffin Properties 500 Rental Homes: one day to come!) Instead I remained humble and explained to Alexis why I chose to remain among my people.

When we shop at Wal-Mart I purchase a small tub of hot wings just before we check out. By the time we arrive at the cashier I only have about three hot wings left in the tub. Greg Jr. is always telling me that he is embarrassed that his dad is standing in a Wal-Mart check out line eating hot chicken wings. I explain to him that I am simply trying to keep him humble. Mr. Wal-Mart certainly does not mind that a customer with a four to five hundred dollar tab is eating hot chicken wings in his check out line.

Charles Spurgeon, the world-renowned minister, defined humility as, "making a right estimate of one’s self." I suggest to you that true humility is seeing one’s self through God’s eyes. What does God care about me eating hot chicken wings in the Wal-Mart check out line?

Some ways to humble yourself: 1.) When you sin and fall short of God’s glory confess it. 2.) Go in front of the church and let them know about your sins, 3.) When some one slaps you, turn the other cheek, 4.) When stopped by a police officer give him the ultimate respect: yes sir Mr. Police Officer, 5.) Accept criticism from anyone no matter where they are stationed in life, 6.) Be hesitant to accept recognition, 7.) Don’t be afraid to associate with people of a lower position than yourself so long as they share your core values, 7.) Always be willing to serve others, 8) quickly forgive your enemies, 9.) Always say good things about others, 10.) Give thanks and praise to God in everything that you do.

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com