10 Important Things You Need to be Humble
Has your number changed?
On a scale of 1 to 10 – If 1 is proud (completely self-focused) and 10 is humble (completely God and others focused) where would you fall?
Proud 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Humble
Most people think that being humble means not having an elevated opinion of yourself compared to other people, but humility isn’t about comparing ourselves to people.
It’s about comparing ourselves to God . . . and that’s just humbling.
So, I’ve focused my attention on God, my relationship with Him—not where I fall on the human status ladder but where I fall before Him.
And I’m flattened!
Now it’s time to dig deep into how I’m called to live out humility with other people.
It’s time to stop to look at humility in my marriage, with my children, with friends, at church, at work… you know, where it gets messy and complicated. Where it gets challenged and is challenging.
When I focus on God I’m humble. It just happens. I can’t look closely at who He is, who Jesus is, all He’s done for me and not be humble.
But when I have to live out humility with people who are getting on my last nerve . . . too often, I’m just not.
Nope. Not humble.
Paul said:
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:2–3
Always! Nope, I’m not even close.
Okay, I’m being humbled more and more by the moment here.
But I want to do better and I believe I can by God’s grace and with His help, I can make it my goal to follow Jesus perfect example.
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29
What does Jesus humility look like? Let’s take a closer look…
10 Important Things You Need to be Humble
1. Know and trust God.
Abba, Father,” He cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Mark 14:36
2. Thank God for who He is and for all He does.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
3. Celebrate the freedom you have in Christ and forgive as you have been forgiven.
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37
4. Admit you don’t know everything and be willing to learn.
Teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:26–27
5. Admit you have limitations and weakness.
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4
6. Respect the feelings of others.
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
7. Calmly listen to the opinions of others – even criticism.
The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl. A wise warning to someone who will listen is as valuable as gold earrings or fine gold jewelry. Proverbs 25:11–12
8. Encourage and build up the people around you.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
9. Celebrate other people’s success without envy.
Christ gave each one of us the special gift of grace, showing how generous he is.The whole body depends on Christ, and all the parts of the body are joined and held together. Each part does its own work to make the whole body grow and be strong with love. Ephesians 4:7,16
10. Help and serve others.
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13
Humble people don’t think they’re humble. They know they live on the humility scale and are constantly aware that pride is always fighting for attention.
One more fact about true humility . . . the kind Jesus modeled.
Many think being humble means being spineless or weak.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Jesus showed us…
Humility is strength under control.
Humility is not:
- Self-degrading.
- Weak.
- Cowardice.
- Powerless.
Humility is being confident of who you are as a child of God, created and redeemed by Him for His plans and purposes.
So live. Live humbly and bless your relationships.
“Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody.
Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him.
If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.” ~C.S. Lewis
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“Humble people don’t think they’re humble.” So very true!! It takes great intention to actively pursue humility and trust God to guide our path instead of relying on ourselves. I would love for you to share this on my Fresh Market Friday link-up!
I like the way you said, “actively pursue humility” Crystal. I don’t think we will ever get it right this side of heaven, but I will keep pursuing every day. Thanks for stopping to say “hi.” I did add this to the LInk-up. Glad to join you!
What a great list of steps to take to stay humble. Randy and I were just talking about this last night – stay teachable, keep learning, and keep growing.
Another great post!
Sharing it all over today~
Blessings,
Melanie
It’s something we have to keep working on and never get comfortable. Thanks, my friend! Blessings!
I love C.S. Lewis’s words: True humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less.
It’s an act of faith isn’t it? Leaving ourselves in His hands to defend us and to look out for our interests? Thanks, Deb, for taking on this topic today.
Thank you, Michele! Love C. S. Lewis! Blessings!
Oh what a kick in the pants for me! I seriously needed to read this today! So convicting! One of my biggest struggles is pride. Ever since I was a child. Pride has gotten the better of me. And I’ve recognized it for years, but being humble is difficult for me.
This post really helped put it in perspective. Thank you so much! 🙂
~Haley
Hi, Haley! Thanks so much for your honesty! You know what? I think we all struggle with pride. Some don’t admit it or want to ignore it, but the truth is “self” is our greatest challenge. Blessings to you! Fighting the battle with you!
Thanks for the reminders. Pride is hard to swallow and being humble takes a lot of self discipline and purposeful living but if we can just remember how to be grateful and stop wanting to be the best or have everything that others have, we can learn how to be much more humble and giving.
You’re right, Hannah! Gratitude and refusing to compare ourselves with others is an important place to start. And by God’s grace, pursue and practice every day! Many blessings!
“Humility is strength under control.” Love that sentence, Deb. It really sums it all up in a nutshell.
C. S. Lewis’ quote is great, too! 🙂
Blessings!
Hi Deb, Your words hit kind of close to home. Even though I struggle with self-confidence, there is still the issue of pride. So yeah, like many others I need to work on this.
When I think of Jesus and His humility–He gave up so much for us. Wow!
Blessings!
I know, Kim. I always equated my self-esteem issues and humility. Wow, was it eye-opening to learn that was just another form of pride. I’m fighting the battle right along side you! God blessings to you!
Oh Deb- this spoke straight to my heart! I struggle A LOT with this. To be a confident woman yet humble… I have found confidence in God and Satan beats me down telling me that I can’t be confident and humble at the same time. This was just such a timely post for me! THank you for your encouragment!
I struggle with it too, Shannon. I think we’re supposed to. Rev calls these things “holy tensions.” Selfish is our natural state and it’s easy to fall back into that mode. Keeping that tension always in mind and staying focused on who we are in Christ Jesus is the only way to come close to humility. By grace alone! I love that you write about grace so much! Where in the world would we be without it? Blessings my friend!
I am not usually one for lists, especially one about being humble 🙂 but Deb, your list is EXCELLENT!
“Humble people don’t think they’re humble”
Right on!
duh twitter is @homeskoolmomcr
Thanks Christy! I read Shane’s airline post. Wow! The good thing is you’ll have lots to laugh about years from now and you’ll never forget the trip! Many blessings to you!
Wonderful post-Deb!! I love all of the verses you used to help us see the truth of humility! Visiting today from Woman to woman! I am going to share this post on facebook this week! God Bless:)
Oh, thank you so much, Lisa! I so appreciate your kind encouragement. Many blessings to you!
Deb, these 10 things are challenging! There’s no just dipping the toes in there. It’s digging deep and facing what is difficult to see about ourselves!
I so agree with what Shannon commented, as well. It is so difficult to be a confident and humble woman all at the same time. Satan wants to confuse us and make us believe it isn’t possible!
Thanks so much for sharing this message that gives us hope. Hope to grow towards humility. And when we can live humbly before God, hope abounds! I’m so thankful for you!
What a beautiful , well thought out and insightful post. Thank you for being a blessing.