Humility

Humility is a central virtue in Christian theology, often depicted as the proper attitude of a believer before God and others. It involves recognizing one's own limitations, weaknesses, and dependence on God, while valuing others above oneself. The Bible frequently contrasts humility with pride, emphasizing that God favors the humble and resists the proud.

In the Old Testament, humility is often associated with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 22:4 states, "The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life." This verse highlights the blessings that accompany a humble disposition, suggesting that true prosperity is found in a life oriented towards God.

The New Testament further develops the theme of humility, particularly through the example of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5-8 describes the humility of Christ, who, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." This passage underscores the self-emptying nature of humility, as Christ willingly set aside His divine privileges to serve humanity.

Jesus' teachings also emphasize humility as a prerequisite for greatness in the kingdom of God. In Matthew 18:4, He declares, "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Here, humility is linked to childlike trust and dependence on God, qualities that are essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

The apostle Peter exhorts believers to "clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). This call to humility in interpersonal relationships reflects the broader biblical principle that humility fosters unity and peace within the Christian community.

Glory

Glory in the biblical context refers to the manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and holiness. It is both an attribute of God and a state to which believers are called. The concept of glory is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the splendor and honor that belong to God alone, as well as the future glorification of believers.

In the Old Testament, the glory of God is often associated with His divine presence and power. The Hebrew word "kabod" conveys a sense of weightiness and honor. For instance, in Exodus 24:17, the glory of the LORD is described as "a consuming fire on the mountaintop" in the sight of the Israelites. This imagery underscores the awe-inspiring and overwhelming nature of God's glory.

The New Testament reveals the glory of God most fully in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus embodies the divine glory, revealing God's character and purpose through His life, death, and resurrection.

Believers are called to reflect God's glory in their lives. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul writes, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This transformation process involves growing in Christlikeness, as the Holy Spirit works within believers to conform them to the image of Christ.

The ultimate hope of the Christian faith is the future glorification of believers, when they will share in the glory of Christ. Romans 8:17-18 speaks of this promise: "Now if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings, in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This future glory provides encouragement and motivation for believers to persevere through trials and to live faithfully in anticipation of the eternal inheritance that awaits them.