Jeremy Taylor, The Grace of Humility
From Taylor’s The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living, this section provides nineteen exercises that encourage humility. Humility is a tough subject to write about simply because when one writes on the subject, they then become open to the accusation of pride. “I’m the humblest guy I know, just ask me.” Yeah, it doesn’t quite work. But there are some steps that Taylor suggests that can help stave off false humility, which is, in a sense, pride in disguise.
Taylor’s second and third rules are linked. Humility consists of a realistic opinion of oneself, and humility allows contentment that others think the same of you (244-245). For example, I am a pretty good teacher of scripture. I know that because I have taught several Bible classes, and people have confirmed that God has given me this gift. If I am humble, then I accept this and appreciate what others say about me. Pride would lead me to say I am a teacher on the caliber of N.T. Wright or Craig Keener. Clearly, I am nowhere near their league. And I am sure I can get confirmation from others on that as well, and I need to be content with that.
Two other linked steps Taylor provides are steps sixteen and seventeen. Humility doesn’t excuse mistakes, but gives God thanks for every weakness, fault, and imperfection (247). Many years ago, I had a significant failing with my wife. When I confessed to her how I hurt her, in an entirely Holy Spirit-inspired moment (read: not of myself), I told her that she had every right to be angry with me and that she should process that anger however and with whomever she wanted. I made no excuses, and that allowed her to (after some time and processing) forgive me. In this way, this period of my life has become a significant part of my testimony. In my weakness, God made broken pottery into a brand-new pot (2 Corinthians 4:7; 12:9).
All references with page numbers are from Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith, Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups, Revised and expanded (San Francisco: HarperOne, 2005).
The Wandering Wesleyan 