There are several reasons why humility of heart is the secret to holiness of life and conduct. First, humility is the essence of the life of Christ. Jesus existed in eternity as God. Yet, He humbled Himself by becoming a man. He clothed Himself with human flesh. He stooped so low that He would become like us in order that we could know Him. There's never been in human history such an example of humility. God became a man. That's who Jesus is - the God man. Even the name given to Him, Emmanuel, means God with us.

If the goal of holiness is to become like Christ, then we must clothe ourselves with humility. Christ is the epitome of humility. Therefore, we must seek to be humble in heart and life. Christ lived an absolutely holy life, and He was the perfect picture of humility. Therefore, if we are to become holy we too must humble ourselves under God's mighty hand.

But there's another reason why humility is a necessity to holiness. It's impossible for us in our own power to achieve holiness of life. Holiness of life can only be made a reality by the grace of God. We become what God wants us to become by God's grace. And grace is only applied to the humble heart. The Bible says, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

A pastor friend of mine once spent forty days praying and fasting. After his time with God, I asked him what God had shown during that intense time of seeking God. His response was quite interesting. "God showed me that I could never again say, 'I'd never do that," he said. "When I would see someone commit adultery I used to say, 'I'd never do that.' But God showed me that in my flesh dwells no good thing. I can only say, 'By God's grace, I will never do that."

What God showed my friend was quite simple but deeply profound. The only reason why any Christian can claim victory over sins in their lives is because of the grace of God. We are what we are by the grace of God. We become more like Christ because of the grace of God. It's not our will power or our ability to overcome evil. It's by God's grace that we know and experience victory of life and holiness of conduct.

When the seed of humility is planted in our hearts, it will be watered by the grace of God. The Holy Spirit will make sure that it grows. When humility comes to full maturity, it blossoms into a beautiful bouquet of holiness. Our life and conduct will reflect the beauty of Christ's character. Humility is the secret to the holiness.