1. The first kind of humility involves humbly submitting as much as I am able to God’s will in everything. This humility is such that even if I was given great power over all created things or my life was at stake, I would not make any decision that would go against God’s will. Thus, the first humility is characterized by obedience to God’s authority.
2. The second kind of humility involves a disposition and willingness to live with open palms. I neither “desire nor prefer to be rich rather than poor, to see fame rather than disgrace, to desire a long rather than a short life, provided it is all the same for the service of God and good for my soul.” The second humility is especially characterized by inner freedom. It is also better than the first humility as it includes both the characteristics of the first as well as the second. Thus, the second humility comprises obedience and inner freedom.
3. The third kind of humility is the greatest kind. It includes obedience and inner freedom, but also an additional characteristic: intentionally choosing hardship rather than pleasures in order to imitate Christ most fully. It includes willingness to be a fool for Christ rather than esteemed by others. The third humility is self-sacrifice regardless of the cost—discomfort, poverty, ridicule, or death. Thus, the third humility comprises obedience, inner freedom, and self-sacrifice.
All such humility is motivated by deep love. As Jesus said, there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend. Such submission, availability, and endurance are motivated entirely from being in love with God and not fear or legalism.
Closing prayer:
Lord, though I am weak and frail, I love you and want to love you more. Empower me to yield fully to your will, to live with open palms so as to discern and follow your guidance wherever it leads, and to have courage to live self-sacrificially. Give me a heart of submission, availability, and endurance. Give me a heart of true humility.