By Deborah H. Rabern

Although our DNA sets our physical traits, some people seem naturally disposed to optimism, happiness, and goodness. Others are troubled or in trouble almost from birth. The whole nature versus nurture pendulum swings with current pop psychology. Though traces of humility may bob to our surface from time to time, most of us have to learn and re-learn it through experience - even those larger-than-life people who lived in Biblical times.

Moses was characterized as being more humble than any other person on the planet. This description referred to his attitude, which underwent many adjustments throughout his life. Although he was born in slavery, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and he enjoyed the privileges attendant to royalty. After he grew up, like many adopted children, Moses wanted to explore his roots. As he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, his anger was aroused. Since he didn't see anyone observing him, he killed the aggressor and buried the body in the sand.

It seems someone is always looking and ready to spread the news. The next day when he intervened between two combative Hebrews, they weren't appreciative. "Who do you think you are?" they asked. "Who put you in charge over us?"

Of course, word reached Pharaoh. Murder and lawlessness are never acceptable in an ordered society. Fleeing the death penalty, Moses headed for Midian. There he encountered yet another injustice. Shepherds refused to wait their turn at the well, and drove away the flocks that were already there. They preferred to take advantage of someone else's hard work. This time Moses intervened without murder and rescued the seven girls who had already done the labor of filling the water trough for their father's flock.

Forty years later we see Moses still in the Midian desert tending sheep - not a glamorous or prestigious job. His workplace was secluded from public scrutiny. Desert extremes buried the remains of his self-reliance and pride. When God gave Moses the commission to release his people from bondage, he wasn't the same brash young man who felt competent to liberate the oppressed.

The reluctant shepherd transitions from tending sheep to leading people. Same job - getting them to follow, making sure they have food and water, making sure enemies don't kill them off, protecting them from folly. Sheep can be noisy, but people have versatility of language and more ways of complaining and opposition. Sheep never try to take over, or build idols, or break all of the Ten Commandments at once.

Through the frustrations of leadership, Moses cherished his regular meetings with God, and learned to obey Him in every respect. His rough edges were rubbed smooth through his relationship with God until he was free from personal ambition and selfishness. As he faced challenges to his spiritual authority, even from his own brother and sister, Moses let God defend him. Although they questioned his judgment, opposed his guidance, and criticized his marriage, Moses never retaliated. Humility grown in loneliness, isolation, and exile blossomed in God's timing.

Friendship with God took priority over any other relationship. Moses refused to function outside the Presence of the Lord. God responded by speaking to him face to face like a friend. When God threatened to annihilate Israel because of their sin, Moses dared to confront the Almighty by reminding Him of His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Israel. And the Creator of the universe relented and spared an unworthy people from His wrath. He promised that His Presence would go with Moses and the people he led.

Parallels between Moses and Jesus are unmistakable. Each was born sentenced to death as an infant. They submitted to Father God despite their circumstances. They were falsely accused and reviled without mercy. They exemplified humility. Each of them interceded between God and man to spare the spiritually insensate from righteous judgment. Moses' intervention saved a nation from extinction. Jesus sacrificed His body and blood to rescue humanity and bring the hope of salvation.

Humility is a magnet for God's grace. Isaiah 57:15 states:  For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: " I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones (NKJV).

Jesus is humility personified. He spent His time with the contrite and revived their hearts and their bodies. He said "be a servant to be great," and He was a servant. Although He is the only Son of God, He clothed Himself in humanity to show us the possibilities of life. He was a friend to sinners and the worst nightmare of the hypocrites and religious elite. He taught the ignorant and illiterate. He delivered the suffering and died an unthinkable death for the undeserving.

The Apostle Paul told us to have the same attitude as Jesus. Beware of selfish ambition and conceit. Consider others before you put your interests first. Maturity grows us beyond our pride and arrogant self-sufficiency. We can admit we don't have all the answers. We are free to take advice and criticism without operating in a kung fu defense mode. Humility is teachable.

Daily life is like camping on a fault line. Unpredictable upheavals shift our reality. As we settle into a new uneasy normal, another tremor shakes our equilibrium. Our only security is the Holy Presence who dwells with the humble. Self-abasement isn't required, but finding God's will and following it brings us true freedom. Jesus is our example. He was free in His Father's will.

Humility permits us to view our limitations and boundaries without guilt or condemnation. It prompts us to serve with unselfishness and generosity. It allows us to honor the gifts and talents of others without fear of diminishing our own. Humility releases us to be like Jesus - to function within Heavenly parameters. Let's take a clear-eyed look at ourselves and discover a different kind of freedom.

Deborah H. Rabern is a graduate of Georgia State University. She has spoken and taught in assorted venues including churches, parachurch organizations, federal prison and the public school system. In addition, she has been a spokesperson for the National Day of Prayer Committee (Cumberland, MD) and Tri-State Celebration (1999) during her employment with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Email Deborah.