Why is spiritual humility so important? It is essential because it signals you are teachable.
In 1 Corinthians 15:3-9, Paul says he doesn’t deserve to be in Jesus’ “inner circle,” because he spent years trying to stamp out the church. Actually, none of us “deserve” to be close to Jesus. It’s grace—an undeserved kindness of our generous God. If that doesn’t make you humble, YOU are the issue—not the church, or God!
Paul continues by saying, “If there is no resurrection of Jesus, everything about our faith is smoke and mirrors”—a magic trick, an illusion. The apostle expands on this: If there is no resurrection, our faith is limited to the few years we are alive. You see, the resurrection to eternal life with God is a big deal!
The power of Christian life, the power of the church, it’s work, it’s resurrection, always resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:30-33). It’s not about you. It’s not about your church. It’s not about “blow-your-socks-off” worship. It’s not about fancy buildings—even awesome cathedrals. It’s not about programs that people think are sacred. It’s not about your favorite styles of worship. It’s all about the power of God through Jesus that is larger than life, longer than life, and better than life.
If that doesn’t humble you, God can’t help you. If that doesn’t humble your whole church, God can’t help you. So, are you teachable? Are you a learner, every day? Are you constantly hungry to learn from God, through Scripture, through others? As Paul says, “Ignorance of God is a luxury you can’t afford in times like these” (verse 34).