It has been said by New York Times best-selling author Tim Keller that humility isn’t merely thinking less about yourself, but it’s thinking about yourself less often. What’s the rationale for this? How does this compute in our lives? 

James strikes incredible balance in chapter 1 verses 9 and 10 of his book, “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation.” Essentially what he’s saying is that when the gospel transforms you, you should see yourself neither too high nor too low. 

When you feel like scum because of your mistakes, you shouldn’t because God has made you in his image; he gives you dignity. But then when you feel all-powerful because of your accomplishment, you also shouldn’t, without God you would have none of it. Notice too that James gives these instructions for circumstances, you’re going to feel temptation on either end of the pendulum. 

Thankfully, the cross is the epitome of this confident humility. We have died with Christ, and we have been raised with him. You have been lowered and lifted up, stay between the margins