Uriah Heep is an oily, creepy character created by Charles Dickens in “˜David Copperfield”™. Mr. Dickens has successfully described false humility through this character. False humility hides agendas which are centered on self and self-indulgence.

False humility and self-indulgence are not godly characteristics.

John the Baptist displayed the exact opposite”¦he lived out true humility before God. And the people of Israel responded.

(NASB) Matthew 3:4 “Now John himself had a garment of camel”™s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.”

John”™s life-style is clearly revealed in Scripture: His dress and eating habits reveal his life-style. This man was not self-indulgent.

In what areas of your life are you self-indulgent?

Self-indulgence can be too much of anything, even going without sleep over an extended period of time. Self-indulgence is satisfying our cravings.

The dictionary describes self-indulgence as: Excessive indulgence of one”™s own appetite and desires.

(NASB) Matthew 3:5 “Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan;”

People were drawn to John and his message. He had their full attention.

When anyone speaks who has something worthwhile to listen to, do you listen? What does it take for God to get your attention onto Him?

(NASB) Matthew 3:6 “and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.”

True repentance comes from true humility. The Jews were baptized in the Jordan River and this took humility ““ they were publicly exposed when they agreed that they needed forgiveness for their sins.

Pride and false humility prevents true repentance.

God”™s view of humility can be found in (NIV) Isaiah 66:2b “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.”

How does God view you?