“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2

We have some strange words and sayings the English language, and it’s fun sometimes to try to trace them back to their origin. Have you ever thought about the term “to eat humble pie”?

What do we mean when we say, “I shall have to eat humble pie”?

Dictionary Definition of ‘Humble’

Not proud or arrogant; Modest:to be humble although successful.
Low in rank, importance or status. Low; as opposed to high or lofty. Lowly; modest; meek; submissive; as opposed to proud, haughty, arrogant or assuming. Courteously respectful

To say someone ‘ate humble pie’, is really just another way of saying that they freely ‘admitted that they were wrong’ (in attitude, an opinion, a belief) and that the other party was right. Where sin is involved, it is ‘owningTo say someone ‘ate humble pie’, is really just another way of saying that they freely ‘admitted that they were wrong’ (in attitude, an opinion, a belief) and that the other party was right. Where sin is involved, it is ‘owning’ it in humility, confessing it to God, accepting his forgiveness, and where necessary asking forgiveness from those we have sinned against.

Recipe for Heavenly Humble Pie 🥧

Ingredients:
A generous helping of Repentance 2 Chronicles 7:14 James 4:7–10
A Cup of Obedience Phil 2:6–8
A Cup of Contrite Spirit Isaiah 66:2
A Cup of Fear of the Lord Proverbs 22:4 Proverbs 15:33
A Cup of Understanding of Heart Daniel 10:12
A Cup of Childlikeness Matt 18:4
A Heaped Tablespoon each of: Compassion, Kindness, Patience, Forgiveness, Love and Thankfulness Colossians 3:12
Stir in generous helpings of Meekness and Gentleness 2 Corinthians 10:1

Method:

Step 1. Important* First, add in the Repentance – It is not recommended that you try to stir in the other ingredients before taking this first step, or it is likely that your humble pie will flop!

Step 2, Sift in Contriteness and Obedience, also two staple ingredients. Then add the other ingredients in no particular order, but generous measures, blending well.

*Very important: All “self raising” ingredients need to be avoided! Here are two of the big name brands: “Self Exalting Flour” – “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 Matt 23:11,12

“I’m Better Than You Assorted Mix” “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” Romans 12:3

Step 3. Be careful to sift out the following unwanted ingredients in the mixture; if not, your pie may look beautiful on the outside but will leave a sour taste in the mouths of all. Yuk, You don’t want that!

These unwanted ingredients will begin to stand out clearly, as you prayerfully sift the above ingredients into the mix of good ingredients. They are called:
Selfish ambition and conceit – Philippians 2:3
Pride and haughtiness – Proverbs 16:18
Rage, anger, bitterness, harsh words and gossip Ephesians 4:31

Serve Humble Pie with lashings of special Heaven inspired ‘Gravy’:

“And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honour.” 1 Peter 5:5-6

Season well with Wisdom

*You cannot possibly add too much wisdom!
“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

Make Humble Pie a regular part of your diet

“O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” Micah:6–8

Last, but not least

Remember that it’s not you who is the Master Chef, but the Lord; Have you ever baked something that, in the middle of your work suddenly jumped up from your kitchen work surface and announced that it would “take it from here?” Each one of us is a work in progress in God’s loving hands. And He will complete the work He began in us. He hasn’t finished with you yet – or me!

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Phil 1:6
Also see: Ephesians 2:8-9 Psalm 25:9

Happy “baking!”

Jill 💜