Bold In Christ Ministries

What is Humility? The dictionary definition of humility is freedom from pride or arrogance, the quality or state of being humble. Another definition Is the quality of not being proud because you are aware of your bad qualities. Humility is a heart posture, mindset and attitude, not an outward appearance or outlook. To be humble is to carry oneself with self awareness, kindness, meekness and lowliness of heart. Humility does not regard others lower than themselves, rather honors and respects others. Biblically speaking humility is the fear of God, because the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom comes as a result of humility. Humility opens the door for wisdom and wisdom can be described as having reverence,  knowledge and understanding of who God is, and this leads to a walk of complete submission, love, honor and adoration towards God.

 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  Luke 14:11

Humility is so important in God’s kingdom. Without humility one cannot serve God. We have so many biblical figures who humbled themselves before God and ended up being mighty men in their generations such as Joseph, David, Abraham, Joshua and Moses.

 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:10

For example, The book of James 4:6 talks about how God opposes the proud but exalts the humble. In the Old Testament in the Book of Numbers 12:3 God tells Aaron and Miriam about how Humble Moses is, and how there is none as humble as he is in all of the earth. God exalted Moses above his siblings even though he was the youngest amongst them. With God the heart is more important than the outward appearance and order of things.

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 

The life of Jesus Christ gives us the blueprint of what true humility should look like. He showed us how to do life in a way that honors God. Jesus humbled himself by suffering in this lowly human flesh and by dying on the cross for our sins yet He Himself was God. He let go of the glorious things in Heaven to come to the earth to suffer for our sake. He washed his disciples feet, He fed crowds, He healed the sick, He raised the dead, He casted out demons, and He took our infirmities upon himself(Isaiah 53:3-5).

The Bible speaks of humility so many times and it’s recorded in both the old and new testaments. God himself is humble if we judge by how He has chosen to show his power and mighty works in our midst. God does not shout that He is God for He already knows He is God. Instead, He always chooses the most humiliating and noble approach to reach mankind. Jesus’s life is a perfect demonstration of this.

 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 peter 5:6 

Pride on the other side is the direct opposite of humility. It thrives in self exaltation, selfishness and it is a product of the flesh. God opposes Pride. Pride does not care how it affects others, rather it cares only for selfish gratification. The Bible says, God resists the proud and exalts the humble as written in 

James 4:6 But he gives more grace to the humble. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 

As seen through the works of Christ, Humility is a prerequisite for believers, because God does require his children to be humble like Jesus Christ was. Christians are called to embody righteousness, holiness and for their lives to produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit. A life centered on Christ will be in alignment to the Holy Spirit and this produces good fruits. for a good tree produces good fruits.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

As Christians we are called to identify ourselves in who God says we are and that’s found in Christ Jesus, meaning no one is lesser or greater than the next person. That’s why scripture says in Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. We are called to put the needs of others above our own, by seeking their wellbeing as well as our own. Followers of Jesus Christ have to follow his teaching by putting into practice what he teaches by serving our neighbors, friends, family, colleagues, elders and people in general. The Bible reminds us to be doers of the word and not only hearers deceiving ourselves. When we obey Christ then indeed we are his followers. We are called to have a posture of humility towards all and Obey God’s righteous order, for He has chosen some to be teachers, pastors, prophets, apostles and so forth for the edification of the body. (1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”)

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Romans 12:16 

Through humility we can truly be the light and salt in the world, because people will be able to notice the difference in how we act, react and carry ourselves in various circumstances. Humility does not mean perfection, it means to desire growth in integrity, accountability and Grace towards self and others as we become more like Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:12 says, Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Being humble does not mean one lacks shortcomings, it means one overcomes by the power of the Holy Spirit. Many believers struggle to forgive and let go of hurtful situations while lovingly serving those affected, because firstly we are human and sometimes some situations and relationships can truly test our patience and self control, but luckily we do not do things in our own strength. God is gracious enough to give us a helper, the Holy Spirit who can help us to be transformed into the image of Christ. Believers will always continue growing to be more like Christ with each passing day under the sun. We need to surrender and submit all areas of our lives to the Lord, for transformation to occur.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,  eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 

When we are transformed into the character of Christ, we can then walk in such a way that pleases The Father, Just as Jesus did during his tenure on earth.  I believe, we as Christians really need to partner with the Holy Spirit in this journey, so we truly be clothed with his transformative power in order to grow in the areas we struggle to be more like Christ.

May the Almighty and Faithful God, Father of Our LORD Jesus Christ bless you and keep you in peace that surpasses all standing through Christ Our Lord! 

Amen.