Six Helpful Things to Do - Pt 6

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (2 Peter 1:3-7 ESV).

Today we come to the close of our little study in some of the practical things we can do to help those who are walking through the pain of mental illness. We must walk in humility and confidence with them. Really this is a mere summation of all the previous principles. We should ourselves walk in humility before God and others; we should be alert to our limitations, needs, and dependence on the wisdom of others; and, we should walk with increasing confidence in the God who is closer than we once thought. He is our deepest need. Our reading is very clear in showing us the first step in any good work is humility. I’ve noticed a very short supply of that in our nation these days. We must be different as followers of Jesus. Here are some things that describe humility. Use this list to determine your goals: 1. A humble person is teachable. Humility believes it can always learn from the education and experiences of others. 2. A humble person is at peace with themselves and others. Humility embraces contentment and simplicity. Humility enjoys balance and harmony. 3. A humble person is grateful. Humility isn’t entitled. 4. A humble person is slow to offend and quick to forgive. 5. A humble person asks for help. Humility helps us know who we are and who we are not. 6. A humble person treats everybody with respect. 7. A humble person is patient and doesn’t easily get frustrated with the imperfection of others. Humility knows that mistakes and inadequacies are part of life. 8. A humble person recognizes their own limitations. Humility doesn’t have a negative view of self. Humility has an accurate view of self. 9. A humble person celebrates the accomplishments of others. Humility sees others as co-pilgrims and collaborators and not competitors. 10. A humble person is open to a deep relationship with God. Perfection is not the goal; ministry is the goal. Commit yourself to the ministry to others who cannot do for themselves alone what you can do with them.