Humbleness

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8

We live in a world that praises self-promotion, platform-building, and personal achievement. God calls His people to something radically different: humility. The call to walk humbly is not an option or an extra quality for the exceptionally spiritual. It is a central mark of those who follow Christ.

Our Heart Before God

Humility begins with a right view of God and ourselves. It is the acknowledgment that we are not self-sufficient, but utterly dependent on our Creator for life, breath, and salvation. James puts it simply:

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6

Pride is the opposite of humility. To be proud is to resist the truth that all we have and all we are is from God. On the other hand, humility opens the door for us to see God’s grace and provision in every area of our lives. It recognizes our place as created beings and God’s place as sovereign Lord.

Pride before God can have devastating consequences. In Daniel chapter 4 King Nebuchadnezzar is removed by God as King of Babylon and banished to the wilderness due to his prideful boasting. Later in that same chapter, he came to his senses and recognized his place in creation.

“Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” Daniel 4:37

Jesus Himself, though fully God, modeled perfect humility. The apostle Paul captures this in one of the most beautiful descriptions of Christ’s heart:

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5–8

Christ’s humility was not weakness; it was power under control, strength used to serve others, and love that stooped low to lift us up.

Our Heart Before Others

Biblical humility is not just how we relate to God, but also how we treat one another. Hear these words from Paul:

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3

This is not self-hatred or insecurity. True humility doesn’t mean thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.

It looks outward with concern, compassion, and a willingness to yield for the good of others.

Jesus again our perfect example when on the night before His crucifixion, He washed His disciples’ feet - a task reserved for the lowest servant. He then said:

“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” John 13:15

Humility, then, is not passive. It is an active service. It is choosing the low place, speaking gently, forgiving freely, and resisting the need to be first or always right.

The Blessings of the Humble

God attaches rich promises to humility. Scripture tells us:

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.” Proverbs 22:4

These are not guarantees of material wealth but of spiritual abundance and honor in God’s sight. He lifts up the humble in due time, often in ways that are hidden from the world but precious in heaven.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

The world often views meekness as weakness. But in God’s kingdom, the meek—those who trust God and yield to Him—are the ones who gain everything.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect His character. That means rejecting pride, entitlement, and self-exaltation. Instead, choose the path of humility, knowing that it leads us deeper into the heart of our humble Savior. Praying for you this week as you seek God and serve others in humility.

Lord, teach me to walk humbly with You. Strip away my pride and help me to follow the example of Jesus, who humbled Himself for my sake. Let my life reflect Your grace through a humble heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Credit: Ron Kelley