Deep Dive into Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards - Gracious Affections Are Attended with Evangelical Humiliation. Evangelical Humiliation Is a Sense That a Christian Has of His Own Utter Insufficiency, Despicableness, and Odiousness, with an Answerable Frame of Heart
Hypocrites exhibit humility in a manner that is counterfeit and primarily self-serving, rather than a genuine expression of a humbled spirit. Their display often involves great pretense and a deliberate show in their speech and behavior. Despite their efforts, this feigned humility is typically described as "bungling work," as they are unable to exude the natural "sweet humble air" that characterizes true lowliness of mind.
A common sign is their abundant use of self-debasing expressions, frequently declaring themselves "the least of all saints" or "a poor vile creature," or even stating their heart is "worse than the devil." However, these statements are crucial because they are often delivered with a "light air, with smiles in the countenance, or with a pharisaical affectation," rather than genuine brokenness, spiritual mourning, or tears.
These individuals harbor an expectation of admiration and superiority. They desire others to believe in their professed vileness and, paradoxically, to look upon them as "eminent and bright saints." They may implicitly assume positions of authority, acting as "dictators and masters in matters of religion," anticipating deference from others. This disposition stems from a conceit of their own humility, where they are "full as they can hold with the glory of their own humility, and lifted up to heaven with a high opinion of their own abasement." Their humility is described as "swelling, self-conceited, confident, showy, noisy, and assuming."
Hypocrites are remarkably blind to their own pride but quick to discern pride in others, often criticizing minor external faults while overlooking the "filthiness of their own heart." Their humility is "forward to put itself forth to view," often involving ostentatious outward displays like affected looks, gestures, unique speech patterns, or singularly mean apparel, mimicking the Pharisees who disfigured their faces to appear humble. In essence, their humility is a calculated performance, deeply rooted in spiritual pride and self-righteousness, and designed solely for self-exaltation.
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