In the narrative of Jehoshaphat's reign over the kingdom of Judah, as recorded in II Chronicles, we are told that when Jehoshaphat was informed that a large army had invaded Judah to war against his people, he was afraid. But his thought turned to God. And as all Judah gathered to seek help from the Lord, to Jahaziel came this inspired assurance (20:15): "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not your's, but God's." He further said, "Set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you." The enemies of Judah then destroyed one another, and "the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet."
This instance of victory gained without actual warfare is one of several related in the Old Testament which prove that there is always a way by which the enemy, evil, may be compassed and dominion gained. The way is spiritualization of thought. And the three qualities which stand out in this experience are self-immolation or humility, absolute reliance upon God, and obedience.
Humility is a purifying quality in human consciousness. It is not a passive quality; it casts out rivalry, jealousy, resentment, and opens thought to the Godlike qualities of loving-kindness, justice, mercy, and purity. Humility is the result of recognizing man's unity with the divine source of all action, being, and intelligence, because it acknowledges that of himself one can do nothing. So important does our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, regard this quality that she says in "Miscellaneous Writings'" (p. 356,) "Cherish humility, 'watch,' and 'pray without ceasing,' or you will miss the way of Truth and Love."
