Humility is an attitude of the heart which allows us to see ourselves the way God sees us: loved, cherished and forgiven all the same. It requires us to accept and be confident in our unique gifts and talents, while at the same time appreciating the gifts and talents of others.
The Bible is full of references to humility and the power of humility in a person’s life. Proverbs 3:34 says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Jesus himself taught about remaining humble, such as in Matthew 23:12, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” We can also look to example set by Jesus Himself in Philippians 2:8, “Being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.”
Humility makes one not to be overly concerned with external things like looks and achievements, but instead stay focused on spiritual matters Matt. 6:19-21 ‘…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…’. Being humble will create within one’s self the ability to seek divine wisdom which will guide one’s actions in every thing one does. James 4:6 says ‘God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.’
The Bible is clear that God wants us to be humble; it could even be argued that God requires it. Psalm 25:9 says, “He [the Lord] guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Consequently, humility is a trait that is greatly rewarded by God, as remarked in 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
By being humble, we are putting God and His will at the fore front of our minds and enabling ourselves to be guided and transformed by Him. This does not mean that it is always easy, but if we seek humility and put God first in our lives then all things can be done in His power. Proverbs 16:19 says, “It is better to be humble and Fear the Lord than to be haughty and proud of riches.”
As we journey through the bible we can see the importance God places on humility. Being humble is not always easy though, we sometimes take pride in our abilities or possessions, but it is essential to remember that they are all gifts from God; the bible makes it clear that if we want God’s guidance and favour in our lives, we must stay humble.
Humility in Every Day Life
Humility is something that can, and should, be practiced every day. It is not merely an idea to consider, but more of a lifestyle choice, encompassing both words and actions. It changes the core of a person, enabling them to be more aware of themselves and those around them, but it also provides an opportunity to self reflect, to take a step back and question whether the choices we make really do align with our goals, guiding us further on our path to lives of faith and joy.
By being humble in our daily lives, we can begin to understand other people’s perspective and strive to build bridges instead of walls. This is echoed in Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” It is not easy to be humble, many of us have grown up surrounded by deeply embedded values of pride and accomplishment. However, by reflecting on our own behavior humbly and recognizing it in others, we are able to start building a society of equality and understanding.
Humility can help us become better friends, family, and co-workers. It is a muscle that must be flexed and strengthened with every interaction, consciously practicing humility and striving for it in our relationships. It stands as the fruit of the Spirit, stemming from uncovering our deep reliance on Christ. As Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” We can’t allow ourselves to be so busy that we forget what it looks like to display humility in the everyday.
The path of God calls us to be humble. He asks that we become people of strength, however, he also wants us to be humble. Philippians 4:5 says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ” We should strive for humility because it is the path to a deeper understanding of the Lord, and even greater connection with the people around us.
Humility as Leaders
In every sphere of life, humility is a key ingredient in successful leadership. When leading, it is necessary for us to take a step back, recognize our shortcomings and be ready to learn from the people we are leading. In order to lead well, we have to make decisions with humility by taking all the relevant facts into consideration. This doesn’t mean that leadership is always easy, but that we should strive to do it with humility in mind.
Leaders who are humble understand the importance of developing team mentality instead of focusing on individual success. This creates unity and understanding amongst those being led. Finally, when it comes to decision-making, a humble leader values the opinions of the people they are leading, and will make decisions with the best interest of everyone in mind. As Proverbs 18:12 says, “Haughtiness goes before destruction, and humility before glory.”
A humble leader has an important role to play in any organization, big or small. They provide guidance, but also strive to ensure that their team members are learning and growing as they go. This type of leader works to build up and support their team, providing insight and direction while continuing to exercise humility.
Colossians 3:12-13 states, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” When we are able to recognize our own weaknesses and those of others and forgive, our hearts are softened and from that perspective we lead humbly.
Humility in our Times
Humility is a practice that has been around since the beginning of time. It is a reminder that no matter how much we are capable of achieving, we always have room to grow. In this rapid changing world, the need for humility has never been greater. We are exposed to information at an unparalleled rate, and it’s more important than ever for us to stay humble and open-minded in the face of this influx of knowledge.
The world today is made up of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. To be humble is to recognize and revel in our differences, while at the same time understanding our need to work together as one body to improve the lives of everyone. A humble outlook allows us to focus on relationships with the people in front of us. It opens us up to the possibility for learning, growing, and connecting with one another, as well as deepening our relationship with God.
Humility also calls us to recognize our weaknesses and turn to God for strength and support, standing firm in the knowledge that He is always by our side, leading us through the struggles of life and to a greater understanding of who He is calling us to be. Ezekiel 10:4 “The glory of the Lord left the portico and stood on the cherubim. The cherubim spread their wings and rose from the ground, while I watched, they left the temple, escorted by the glory of the Lord.”.
Humility is a key characteristic which binds us, giving us more avenues for connection that even extends beyond our shared humanity. Humility leaves us with the responsibility to open our eyes to the divine love, and realize that in the love of God we are all the same.
Humility in Action
Anyone can learn how to practice humility in everyday life. By doing small, conscious things, developed as a habit, one can be more humble in any situation. Practicing humility is reflected in the way we think, act, and react day in and day out. To start, we must recognize our flaws and mistakes in order to learn from them and improve.
Secondly, it is important to remember to seek out and give recognition to others for their achievements and successes. Acknowledging the efforts of others is a humbling and gracious act that can greatly improve relationships. Moreover, one can even make a practice of kind words in order to provide encouragement to those in need.
Finally, it is essential to develop a sense of gratitude, acknowledging that any beauty in one’s life or successes in one’s work were not solely created through one’s efforts alone. Doing so provides an act of humility and thanksgiving, recognizing that these achievements are not always easily earned. Micah 6:8 says, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Humility also allows us to remember our roots and continually strive to be better by promoting kindness, grace, and humility. Humility is also a way to give back to others, while also growing spiritually. By displaying humility, one can open doors for those who feel voiceless or overlooked. Humility is a crucial staple in our lives and can be practiced in many ways.
A husband of one wife, father of two beautiful girls, laborer of Lord, Jesus Christ, and a servant to God’s His saints. I hope to encourage you by God’s grace. Thank you for stopping by.
