HUMILITY

Today's church rarely teaches the unvarnished truths found in the Word of God. Instead, organized religion in these 'last days' openly promotes a 'self-esteem' doctrine that's rooted in pride. 

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  2 Timothy 4:3

Yet, there can be no real joy in the life of a Christian who is by nature ... 'self-centered'.

Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.  Philippians 2:3

'Selfishness' disregards the rights and feelings of others in order to experience personal gratification or advantage. It is an egocentric action to achieve a vainglorious end.

'Conceit' on the other hand, pertains to a man's overinflated ego. He considers himself to always be right and expects others to agree with him. It is the only 'unity' he will accept. 

'Humility' is not putting yourself down, but rather ... 'lifting up' those around you. As you go through life esteeming Jesus Christ and others, humility automatically takes place. If you exalt yourself, God Himself will take care of your humiliation. 

Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 18:14

This is not merely a moral quality, but divinely linked to the Holy Spirit's transformative power. Through sanctification, a true believer is changed into the likeness of Christ who exemplified 'humility' ...

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross.  Philippians 2:8

Our Savior's will for His followers ... 

What does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8