3 Positive Steps to Take that will Help You Live with Humility

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What do you think of when you hear the word humility?

Is it just the opposite of pride?

Pride can be anything from self-respect and satisfaction in a job well done to arrogance and impertinence.

Solomon wrote:

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

He also wrote:

Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.

Proverbs 29:23

I believe he was talking about prideful arrogance and impertinence in those verses.

Because it’s appropriate for humble people to celebrate every accomplishment, ability, and blessing. Yet, God’s Word consistently warns us about believing we deserve, have earned, or have the right to praise and/or preferential treatment because of those things.

Now, let’s take a look at humility. It’s been said that…

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.“

~ Author Unknown

Paul wrote:

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Philippians 2:3–4

Humility is not putting yourself down. Humility makes us possible for us to put “self” in perspective.

Here are…

3 Positive Steps to Live with Biblical Humility

1. Praise and thank God for every accomplishment, ability, and blessing. – Recognize that everything is a gift. Everything! Each talent, gift, possession, and relationship is a blessing from the hand of a loving God.

2. Do your best. Always. – You are only a steward (manager) of each gift you’ve been given. Excellence is an important part of humility, using every blessing to glorify God as a humble act of gratitude and praise.

3. Use your gifts and abilities to love others. – God gives time, health, wealth, abilities, and talents so they can be used to glorify Him and benefit others. Those with genuine humility use their gifts to serve and bless others.

Remember...

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.

Colossians 3:12–13

The Life Application Bible Notes give the following counsel…

Don’t be so concerned about making a good impression or meeting your own needs that you strain relationships in God’s family.

Lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy.

I would add . . . make it a goal to work toward love and unity. Make every effort to keep your heart from selfishness, prejudice, and envy.

Be humble and live with humility adding gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

Ephesians 4:2

A Prayer to Glorify God and Love Others
and Live with Humility

Lord Jesus, You are King of kings and Lord of lords and yet, You humbled Yourself to live among us. You willingly allowed Yourself to be treated unfairly and unjustly suffering a punishment You didn’t deserve because of Your love for us. You said that there is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends. (John 15:13) Just before that, You said that we should love each other as You have loved us. (John 15:9) That means—humbly, mercifully, compassionately, and sacrificially.

Please help me see people the way You see them . . . help me love with “agape love.“

I thank and praise You for the blessings You pour into my life. Lord, please help me humbly use them well in ways that show Your love. May I meet everyone with respect and compassion remembering that everyone has a difficult story about which we know nothing.

I surrender myself to You, please guide me by the power of Your Spirit that I might live for Your glory. Amen.

Why is it so hard to live with humility?

Because…

#1 – Pride is generally considered a good thing . . . many believe that it’s important to put yourself first. If you don’t, no one else will.

#2 – Humility is thought to be passive . . . and weak. Someone who lets other people walk all over them.

But humility doesn’t begin with our relationship with other people. It begins with our relationship with Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of kings, who showed us exactly what it means to live with humility.

C. S. Lewis wrote:

Humility is acknowledging the truth about ourselves, that as creatures we depend on our Creator’s power and as sinners on our Savior’s grace. 

When we embrace that as absolute truth when we are dependent on our Creator’s power and our Savior’s grace . . . we will not Phraisaically see ourselves as better than anyone. By grace, we begin to see ourselves as one of many sinners saved by grace thankful to be part of the family.

May God be with you and bless you with His power and grace.

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