As the Bible-verse of today shows us, humility is not always a virtue: humility even can become dangerous, because it can lead us astray. This is because of the ‘false humility’ Paul mentions here. That is a cultivated humble attitude that is created to suggest that someone is really very Christian. But it is a Christianity on the outside, these people are the wolves in sheep’s clothing. Whoever is impressed by this, will surely be disqualified, will miss the purpose God has with his life.
There are many of these wolves. They dazzle people with their knowledge of the mysteries of God. They claim to have had wonderful revelations ‘in the Spirit’, but Paul says, 'They are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.' But if this can happen, then how can we deem anyone trustworthy?
Paul shows us the way. Someone who aspires to give guidance to the church should not be judged by the marvelous things that he can talk about so impressively, but by his daily life.
How is this person at home? Can he manage his own family in a manner worthy of full respect? How does he approach other women? Is he driven by emotions, or is he temperate, like the Bible speaks of? Is his house open to everyone, or does he cherish his privacy? Is he easily annoyed, does he like to argue, is he fond of his possessions?
All questions about daily life. For if God's sovereignty is not acknowledged in these matters, how could He inspire this leader concerning the matters of the Kingdom of God? For especially in daily life, it is revealed if we want to serve our own ego, or the Kingdom of God.