What a treasure-trove humility is. Unassuming and overlooked, humility is the virtue of Heaven. It enriches our relationship with God, with one another, and even with ourselves. Being humble is how we were made to be, trusting in the Lord with all our hearts.
The dictionary of humility and being humble lacks the true nature and understanding of someone humble. One right meaning is that in being humble, one is not proud or arrogant. That’s true. But what real treasure is in that? What good comes from not being proud? For starters, you are more patient. You are more kind. You will not boast in anything, nor will you have a lack in anything. The treasure that is humility is contentment, it is confidence, and it is a rightness of self and worth. Now, I would say true humility can only be accomplished by a singular means: by being in right relationship with God.
True humility, as Pastor Terri Dieter says, “is having an unyielding confidence in and total dependence on the Lord’s ability” (A Servant of the Lord, pg. 104). Anything outside of this is pride. This fullness of humility brings a treasure like no other into our lives, a close and loving relationship with God our Father.
We can grow in humility by doing humble things. I recently read an article from Billy Graham’s ministry about 12 ways to humble yourself. Check it out:
Routinely confess your sin to God (Luke 18:9-14). All of us sin and fall short of the glory of God. However, too few of us have a routine practice of rigorous self-honesty examination. Weekly, even daily, review of our hearts and behaviors, coupled with confession to God, is an essential practice of humility.
Acknowledge your sin to others (James 3:2, James 5:16). Humility before God is not complete unless there is also humility before man. A true test of our willingness to humble ourselves is the willingness to share with others the weaknesses we confess to God. Wisdom, however, dictates that we do so with others that we trust.
Take wrong patiently (1 Peter 3:8-17). When something is unjust we want to react and rectify it. However, patiently responding to the unjust accusations and actions of others demonstrates our strength of godly character and provides an opportunity to put on humility.
Actively submit to authority…the good and the bad (1 Peter 2:18). Our culture does not value submission; rather it promotes individualism. How purposely and actively do you work on submission to those whom God has placed as authorities in your life? Doing so is a good way to humble yourself.
Receive correction and feedback from others graciously (Proverbs 10:17, 12:1). In the Phoenix area, a local East Valley pastor was noted for graciously receiving any negative feedback or correction offered. He would simply say, “Thank you for caring enough to share that with me, I will pray about it and get back to you.” Look for the kernel of truth in what people offer you, even if it comes from a dubious source. Always pray, “Lord, what are you trying to show me through this?”
Accept a lowly place (Proverbs 25:6,7). If you find yourself wanting to sit at the head table, wanting others to recognize your contribution, or becoming offended when others are honored or chosen, then pride is present. Purpose to support others being recognized, rather than you. Accept and look for the lowly place; it is the place of humility.
Purposely associate with people of lower state than you (Luke 7:36-39). Jesus was derided by the Pharisees for socializing with the poor and those of lowly state. Our culture is very status-conscious and people naturally want to socialize upward. Resist the temptation of being partial to those with status or wealth.
Choose to serve others (Philippians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Matthew 23:11). When we serve others, we are serving God’s purposes in their lives. Doing so reduces our focus on ourselves and builds the Kingdom of God. When serving others costs us nothing, we should question whether it is true servanthood.
Be quick to forgive (Matthew 18: 21-35). Forgiveness is possibly one of the greatest acts of humility we can do. To forgive is to acknowledge a wrong that has been done to us and also to further release our right of repayment for the wrong. Forgiveness is a denial of self. Forgiveness is not insisting on our way and our justice.
Cultivate a grateful heart (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The more we develop an attitude of gratitude for the gift of salvation and life He has given us, the more true our perspective of self. A grateful heart is a humble heart.
Purpose to speak well of others (Ephesians 4:31-32). Saying negative things about others puts them “one down” and us “one up.” Speaking well of others edifies them and builds them up. Make sure, however, that what you say is not intended as flattery.
Treat pride as a condition that always necessitates embracing the cross (Luke 9:23). It is our nature to be proud and it is God’s nature in us that brings humility. Committing to a lifestyle of daily dying to ourselves and living through Him is the foundation for true humility.
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Scripture tells us that God opposes the proud and is close to the humble. For the rest of my life, and eternity, I want to be close to God. I don’t want to be in opposition to Him. Humbling oneself can be difficult, but we are lucky to not do it alone. How can we overcome this stumbling block of pride? By being in an intimate relationship with God, focused solely on Jesus, and having a heart after God’s own heart. I encourage you to practice some of the ways above to practice humility. Gratefulness I found was a great start. It’s so easy for us to find something to grumble about, but when we cultivate a heart of gratefulness, this allows for God to come in close. (Paraphrased from Psalm 100) the gates of heaven open with praise and thankfulness. We can come near to Him with a humble heart of gratitude and praise.
