The Valley of Humility

Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility. Proverbs 18:12

Humility is one of my favorite topics. Not that I have it. I just know that I need to seek it. And, of course, there's only one Source. I hope this is the first of many posts about the subject. Hopefully, I'll post about it from different sources and perspectives.

In Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyon, Faithful told Christian about his being assaulted by Discontent in the Valley of Humility. Discontent unsuccessfully tried to persuade Faithful to go back rather than wade through such a valley, and by doing so, turn against his friends Pride, Arrogancy, Self-conceit, and Worldly-glory. Well friends, I hope I'll be able to answer Discontent as Faithful did:

"I told him that although all these that he named might claim kindred of me, and that rightly (for indeed they were my relations according to the flesh), yet since I became a pilgrim they have disowned me, as I also have rejected them..."

As to Discontent's claim that the valley was without honour, Faithful let it be known that THAT was a misrepresentation of the thing, since "before honour is humility, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

I hope I'll be able to put Discontent in his place. He would like me to embrace my "friends" as he calls them. I need to be careful of them, because they love to sneak in and try to pull pilgrims back in. Methinks Worldly-glory could try grabbing hold of those of us who love to blog and write.

Oh Lord, may it be that this pilgrim not seek

the glory that the world gives, but only the glory of Christ.

Speaking of valleys, our lilies of the valley started blooming today. Don't you just love perennials? Such a reminder of the workings of an Almighty Creator.