THE POSTURE OF TRUE GREATNESS

Humility

Pastoral Messages by Matriarch Elnette Edwards

Precious family,

I want to share something with you that took me far too long to learn: humility is not thinking less of yourself—it’s thinking of yourself less. It’s the foundation of every other virtue and the soil where spiritual maturity grows.

When I first stepped into ministry, I was young, passionate, and if I’m honest, a little prideful. I thought I had something to prove. I wanted people to recognize my gifts, respect my calling, and acknowledge my contributions. I preached with power, but sometimes that power was fueled more by ego than by the Holy Spirit.

Then came the season that humbled me completely. The ministry I’d built began to struggle. People I’d invested in walked away. Critics questioned my leadership. My health failed. Everything I’d used to define myself—my success, my influence, my abilities—was stripped away. I found myself flat on my face before God with nothing left to offer but a broken, empty vessel.

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THE FREEDOM OF FORGIVENESS

And it was there, in that place of complete humility, that God began to truly use me. When I stopped trying to build my own kingdom and surrendered to building His, miracles happened. When I stopped needing the spotlight and started pointing others to Christ, transformation occurred. When I acknowledged my weaknesses instead of hiding them, people felt safe to share theirs.

Humility doesn’t mean you deny your gifts or downplay your accomplishments. God gave you those gifts, and false modesty doesn’t honor Him. Humility means you recognize that everything you have is a gift from God, not something you earned or deserve. It means you use your gifts to serve others rather than promote yourself.

I’ve watched proud leaders fall and humble servants rise. Pride says, “Look at what I’ve done.” Humility says, “Look at what God has done through me.” Pride takes credit. Humility gives it away. Pride can’t apologize. Humility says, “I was wrong, and I’m sorry.” Pride needs to be right. Humility seeks truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Jesus modeled perfect humility. Though He was God, He wrapped a towel around His waist and washed His disciples’ feet. He touched lepers. He welcomed children. He dined with sinners. He said, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.” The King of Kings showed us that true greatness is found in service, not status.

So I ask you today: Where is pride hiding in your heart? Where are you seeking recognition instead of seeking God? Where are you comparing yourself to others instead of celebrating them? Where do you need to apologize but haven’t because of pride?

Humble yourself today. Serve someone without being asked. Celebrate someone else’s success. Admit where you’ve been wrong. Ask for help instead of pretending you have it all together. And watch how God lifts you up in ways you never could have lifted yourself.

Humbly His, 

Matriarch Elnette Edwards