SERMON: Be Thou Humble

At the Passover supper some of the Twelve were disputing over who was the greatest among them (see Luke 22:24). Christ reminded them that the greatest is the servant of all and then gave them an example by washing their feet. (See John 13:14-15).

Christ’s life is the greatest example of humanity. Latter Day Mormons, those who are members of the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ have always known that if the Lord was meek and lowly and humble, then for us to become humble we must do what He did in boldly denouncing evil and unrighteousness at every turn and gravely advance righteous works, courageously meeting every problem, becoming the master of our own selves and in the master of all the situations that we find ourselves in being oblivious to personal credit and aggrandisement.

Latter Day Mormons know that we follow the Lords example by accepting his commandments. We are humble to the degree that we are teachable and open to counsel. We know that in order to remain teachable we must listen to the counsel that has come to us from the Lord through his servants.

The saviour illustrated humility with this parable “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off…smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:10-13). In comparing the two men, Jesus said that the publican “went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

We must always remember that the whole plan and purpose of this mortal probation is to test us to see whether we will seek forth the things of the world or whether we will flee from pride, humble ourselves before God, and walk before him with an eye single to the glory of God. We know that without the basic virtue of humility there is neither spiritual progression here nor eternal life hereafter. The humble member of the Latter Day Church is the one who discovers the great power of the Lord and their dependence upon the power of the Lord. They seek the help and guidance of the Lord through prayer and they show their willingness to follow him by obeying his commandments. They do not think themselves above others and serve with humility and patience. To such humble and teachable people the Lord promises knowledge and strength (see D&C 1:28) He says 2If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men to humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” (Ether 12:27)

Let us remind ourselves that if we are true followers of Christ and humble ourselves, we will be led by the Lord, receive answers to our prayers and receive the promise of exaltation (Luke 14:11).