Cultivating Humility and Flexibility in Church Tradition
Cultivating Humility and Flexibility in Church Tradition
The concept of humility is deeply rooted in Christian tradition, with biblical references emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, humility is "a prominent Christian grace" that is pleasing to God and preserves the soul in tranquillity [1]. The dictionary cites several biblical passages, including Romans 12:3 and Philippians 2:6-8, which highlight Christ's example of humility.
In the context of the church, humility is essential for unity and harmony among its members. The apostle Paul's writings in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 emphasize the diversity of gifts and functions within the body of Christ, yet stress that despite these differences, the church is one body [2, 3, 4]. The Tyndale House commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:12 notes that the church is composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God. This diversity is not a source of division, but rather an opportunity for unity and cooperation.
The importance of humility in maintaining unity is further emphasized in Colossians 3:15, where the apostle Paul writes that the peace of Christ should rule in the hearts of believers, resulting in harmonious relationships [5]. Similarly, in Galatians 3:28, Paul notes that in Christ, there are no divisions between different groups, and that believers are one in Christ Jesus [6].
In 1 Corinthians 12:25-26, Paul highlights the need for care and concern among members of the church, stating that the church is a unified body where each member should be concerned for the well-being of others [7]. Adam Clarke's commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:14 notes that the church, like the natural body, is composed of many members, each with its own unique function [8].
The practice of hospitality is also an important aspect of cultivating humility and flexibility in the church. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on 1 Peter 4:9 emphasizes the need for genuine and open-hearted hospitality, without grudging or murmuring [10]. This kind of hospitality is a manifestation of the humility and love that should characterize the Christian community.
The biblical emphasis on humility is also reflected in the writings of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:21, where he notes that believers are being built together into a holy temple for the Lord [9]. In Titus 3:3, Paul reminds believers of their past state and the kindness and love of God that has been shown to them, highlighting the need for humility and gentleness [11].
John Gill's commentary on Romans 5:4 notes that the experience of tribulations can lead to the development of patience, hope, and humility in believers [12]. This understanding is in line with the biblical emphasis on the importance of humility in the life of a believer.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:27: members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:15: 3:15 Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ (see 1:18; Eph 4:4-6). Allegiance to Jesus as Lord must transcend differences and will result in peace (harmonious relationships).”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 3:28: 3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:25: 12:25-26 The church is a unified body, so harmony and care for each other in the church is essential.”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 12:14: For the body is not one member - The mystical body, the Church, as well as the natural body, is composed of many members.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:21: 2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, because the Lord himself is among his people (see Matt 18:20; 28:20; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:4-5).”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 4:9: (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2.) Not the spurious hospitality which passes current in the world, but the entertaining of those needing it, especially those exiled for the faith, as the representatives of Christ, and all hospitality to whomsoever exercised from genuine Christian love. without grudging--Greek, "murmuring." "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity," that is open-hearted sincerity; with cordiality. Not secretly speaking against the person whom we entertain, or upbraiding him with the favor we have conferred in him.”
- Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:3: 3:3 Humility (3:2) is fitting, considering our state when God’s kindness and love came to us (3:4; see Eph 2:1-4; 5:8; Col 3:7; 1 Pet 4:3).”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 5:4: And patience experience,.... As tribulations tend to exercise and increase patience, so patience being exercised and increased, enlarges the saints' stock and fund of experience; of the love and grace of God communicated to them at such seasons; of his faithfulness in fulfilling his promises; of his power in supporting them; and of their own frailty and weakness; and so are taught humility, thankfulness, and resignation to the will of God: and experience, hope; hope is a gift of God's grace, and is implanted in regeneration, but abounds, increases, and becomes more s”