Bow to the Lord, but stand tall for the Lord. Can we remain humble and be assertive at the same time? Yes, if it’s about Him. Integrity, one of the great qualities we should have, comes from
humility. There is one us and one Him, so should seek to remain who we are towards Jesus in all circumstances in every relationship. Integrity is being consistent in who we are and what we know is right. Christian humility is doing what is right by the Lord, having nothing to do with us, or anyone else. My brother often says “humility is doing the right thing when no one is looking.” Humility is doing the right thing regardless of who sees, what they think, what is
deserved and what benefit it is to us. Jesus’ words “Do not fear men” is an all encompassing call to love and truth: loving in truth, honoring who He is and His love for us. Both what we say and don’t say, what we do and don’t do acknowledges He is Lord: in what is not for us make happen because He is Lord and what He wants us to do because He is Lord. Not our will or way, but His. Charity towards others is how humility is lived out.

       More often than not, as I’ve found, charity is not saying everything we want to say. Any time we feel compelled to force another to know what they should know, force them to listen and make them feel how wrong they are is wanting to do Jesus’ job for Him. Holding back is not a lack of love, but an act of patience, which is an act of faith. If we are willing to hold back our words and
actions, honoring Jesus is Lord, from there…we must be humble enough to do and say what He wants us to, if, when and how. I think this is where integrity extends from humility. Will we / I do what is right by the Lord, regardless of how it will be received, the reaction and any risk of rejection or judgment towards us? Freedom is trusting Him to lead, doing what He wants and trusting He is with us when we do. Often an act of true love, true charity and helping one
another’s conversion, will involve some pain, but bears actual fruit even if we don’t see it at the time. Will we do what is right by Jesus, having nothing to with us and whatever happens to us? We will love more unconditionally than others because it is right by Him? Will we be the underappreciated, undervalued, misunderstood one staying true to Him, who knows us? Will we forgive 7 X 77 times, because it’s about His forgiveness? Will we sacrifice our happiness, love
and acceptance by others, doing what is right for love of Him? As if Jesus won’t reward our small acts of love with love infinitely greater. If we bow to the Lord, we can stand tall for Him.