The Bible has a lot to say about humility and how we as Christians should humble ourselves before God and others. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical principles about humility and how to cultivate it in our lives:
Recognize that true humility begins with a right view of God
The starting point of humility is recognizing that God is infinitely greater than us, the Creator of the universe who holds everything in His hands (Isaiah 40:12-26). When we grasp how majestic, powerful, and awesome He is, it puts our own lives into proper perspective. We are completely dependent on Him for everything. This realization should foster humility within us. As James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
Acknowledge that all good things come from God, not ourselves
Humility involves understanding that all the good things we have – our abilities, talents, resources, and opportunities – ultimately come from God. We have nothing that we did not receive from Him (1 Corinthians 4:7). This recognition helps deflate our egos and any tendency to pride or self-reliance. Everything we have is an undeserved gift from God, not something we can take credit for.
Have an accurate view of ourselves – our weaknesses and limitations
Humbling ourselves requires taking an honest look at ourselves and our many flaws and shortcomings. We are imperfect, weak, prone to sin, and totally dependent on God’s grace. As Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” As we grow in awareness of our limitations, it should foster humility and help us not think too highly of ourselves.
Esteem others above yourself
The Bible calls us to not just look out for our own interests but also the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). We are to count others as more significant than ourselves and be quick to defer to them and their needs. This other-focused mindset counters our natural selfish tendencies and cultivates humility.
Have a servant’s attitude
Humility is displayed through serving others with a gracious, helpful spirit – not being preoccupied with position or recognition. Jesus modeled this servant attitude when He washed His disciples feet, showing that the path to greatness is through servanthood (John 13:1-17). We humble ourselves when we follow His example.
Allow God to humble you through trials and suffering
Difficult seasons have a way ofrevealing our weaknesses and need for God. James says we should consider it “all joy” when we encounter various trials because it produces endurance and maturity in our faith (James 1:2-4). God often uses adversity to humble us and refine Christlike humility in us.
Submit to God-given authority with respect
The Bible calls us to submit to figures of authority – whether government, church leaders, employers or any other governing authorities God has placed over us (Romans 13:1-7). Doing so with a humble spirit, even when we disagree, demonstrates maturity and honors God.
Be quick to repent when convicted of sin
Having a heart ready to repent when the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin is also a mark of humility. Rather than making excuses or shifting blame, we humbly admit fault and turn from sin (1 John 1:9). This posture keeps us reliant on God’s grace.
Be cautious of pride and guard your heart
The Bible repeatedly warns against pride and calls us to be on guard against arrogance creeping into our hearts (Proverbs 16:18, 29:23). Staying humble requires intentional vigilance because our fallen nature makes us prone to pride. We must actively resist prideful attitudes.
Remember that humility leads to blessing and honor
The ultimate motivation to pursue humility is that God promises to exalt the humble while resisting the proud (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6). Just as Christ’s willingness to humble Himself resulted in God honoring Him supremely (Philippians 2:5-11), when we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, He will lift us up in due time (1 Peter 5:6).
In summary, cultivating biblical humility requires things like: recognizing our dependence and weaknesses, focusing onothers’ interests, embracing a servant’s role, submitting to authority figures God has placed in our lives, beingquick to repent of sins, rejecting prideful attitudes, and trusting that God will exalt us if we choose the path of humility just as He did for Christ. Practicing humility is not easy because it goes against our human nature, but it is foundational to the Christian walk. The more we grow in genuine humility, the more we reflect the heart and character of Jesus.
Old Testament Examples of Humility
The Old Testament contains many examples of humility that provide helpful models for how to walk humbly:
– Moses was known as the most humble man on earth (Numbers 12:3). Even as a great leader of Israel, he exhibited meekness and was willing to listen to the counsel of his father-in-law Jethro. His humility set a positive example for the nation.
– David showed humility toward King Saul even when Saul undeservedly persecuted him and sought to kill him. David refused to harm Saul because he respected God’s chosen king (1 Samuel 24:1-22).
– Job humbly accepted calamity in his life, worshiping God even after losing everything. Despite his suffering, he recognized God’s sovereignty and said “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away” (Job 1:20-21).
– Josiah tore his robes and wept when he heard God’s law read, humbling himself and leading the nation in repentance (2 Kings 22:11-20). His heart was sensitive to correction.
– Isaiah saw a vision of God’s glory and cried out “Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips!” (Isaiah 6:1-7). Encountering God’s holiness humbled and overwhelmed him.
– Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God until he recognized God’s eternal kingdom and praised Him as the Most High ruler over mankind (Daniel 4:28-37). God had to bring the proud king low in order for him to acknowledge God’s sovereignty.
– The prodigal son humbly returned to his father in repentance after squandering his inheritance, willing to be a servant rather than a son (Luke 15:11-24). His failure led him to recognize his unworthiness.
These and other examples point to principles like esteeming others higher than self, repenting quickly when convicted, accepting difficult circumstances humbly, and recognizing our own smallness compared to a mighty God. We have much to learn from their examples.
New Testament Instructions on Humility
Building on the Old Testament foundation, the New Testament contains many exhortations about pursuing Christlike humility:
– We are to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). This call to an others-focused, servant-hearted humility echoes Jesus’ own example.
– James 4:10 says “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” God honors those who come before Him in humility rather than pride.
– As His followers, we are to mirror and submit to Christ’s humility demonstrated through His incarnation and willingness to die on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). He is our model of radical humility.
– We are to “clothe ourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5) and “in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Humility is to permeate all our relationships.
– Pastors/elders are to shepherd God’s people not as “domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” with humility (1 Peter 5:3). Church leaders model humility.
– Similarly, husbands are instructed, “Live with your wives in an understanding way…showing honor to the woman” (1 Peter 3:7). A humble, loving spirit should characterize marriage.
– We cannot boast in ourselves but only in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31), knowing apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). True humility recognizes our dependence on God.
Clearly, the call to pursue humility – whether before God, within the church, or in all relationships – remains a defining mark of the Christ-follower according to the New Testament.
Ways to Grow in Humility
Based on these biblical principles, here are some practical ways we can actively cultivate greater humility:
– Begin each day acknowledging your dependence on God. Thank Him for sustaining you and cry out to Him for help in your weaknesses. Starting the day focusing upward fosters humility.
– Ask God to reveal any pride or self-centeredness in you. Examine yourself for areas of arrogance. Be eager to address any way that pride is creeping into your life.
– When facing criticism or correction, receive it humbly. Rather than defending yourself, listen and pray over what was said to see what you can learn.
– Study passages about God’s greatness and majesty (e.g. Isaiah 40) to grow in awe of Him. Reflect deeply on His unmatched power and glory.
– Study the life of Christ and zero in on His profound humility. As the Son of God, He laid aside His rights and served. Follow His model.
– After successes and accomplishments, immediately thank God and recognize His enabling. Don’t let achievements inflate your ego.
– Treat all people as more important than yourself, whether they are prominent or ordinary, and look to serve their needs (Philippians 2:3-4).
– When you pray, use it as an opportunity to confess sins and failures. Cultivate poverty of spirit and dependence on God’s mercy.
– Serve in humble roles and do behind-the-scenes jobs that may go unnoticed. Avoid needing recognition or credit.
– Occasionally fast from food as a tangible reminder of your frailty and reliance on God for sustenance. Express humility before Him.
As we take small steps to pursue humility each day, we will grow in becoming more like Christ – who perfectly modeled radical humility by stepping down from His throne and dying on a cross for sinful mankind. Our journey toward humility is a lifelong one.
In Closing
The Bible’s consistent call is for us as followers of Jesus to walk in humility – recognizing our weakness, esteeming others highly, serving sacrificially, submitting to authority figures God has placed in our lives, repenting quickly of sins, and relying fully on God rather than ourselves. Genuine humility does not come naturally because our human tendency is toward pride. But we can foster humility by beginning each day acknowledging our dependence on God, being eager to root out arrogance in our lives, and choosing the path of humility modeled by Jesus. A lifestyle of Christlike humility leads to blessing from the Lord and enables us to reflect His heart to the world.
