Emphasis Preaching Journal

I grew up in a very poor family, part of a social class referred to locally as "dirt farmers." Years later I learned that the word "humility" is derived from "humus" or dirt. This association suggests pejorative connotations, as when a person speaks of "those humble folk" but really means that they are worth little more than dirt under one's feet. Jesus, however, identified humility as necessary for true worth. The greatest among us must be last of all and servant of all. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Humus is not just dirt, but fecund, fertile, productive dirt within which a seed is nourished.
-- Bristow