As a Christian, there are certain character traits that we all pursue. In our quest to become more Christlike in the way that we interact with others, there are certain qualities that we all seek to emulate in our own lives. One of those traits is humility. Many people often ask, “How can I become humbler?” While this question is grounded in a genuine desire to live a life that is pleasing to God, it simply doesn’t work the way that they expect it to.
Humility isn’t something that can be achieved by some sort of 12-step program or a self-help ideology. In fact, most of our attempts to become humbler result in false humility, which is often worse than blatant pride. Humbling yourself isn’t about constantly putting yourself down or refusing to accept compliments and congratulatory words from those around you.
At its heart, Biblical humility is simply about keeping the proper self-perspective. As we dive into the quest for Biblical humility, let’s start with an admonishment that Paul issued to the Roman Church.
Romans 12:3 (TPT)
God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem.
If anyone had a right to be prideful, it was Paul. Not only had he established himself as an important religious leader before his conversion to Christianity, but he also received direct revelations from God and is credited with writing more than 2/3 of the New Testament. Paul also planted countless churches all over the area.
However, he was adamant about speaking out against pride. Instead, he encouraged believers to “not create a false image” of self-importance. That is the heart of Biblical humility. Humility isn’t something we achieve. Instead, it is a Godly trait that comes from Him. Instead of viewing humility as something we achieve, view it as something we receive. Thankfully, Scripture is very clear about how we can receive humility.
Troubles Teach Humility
2 Corinthians 12:7 (TPT)
The extraordinary level of the revelations I’ve received is no reason for anyone to exalt me. For this is why a thorn in my flesh was given to me, the Adversary’s messenger sent to harass me, keeping me from becoming arrogant.
Paul was passionate about humility. But did you notice that he didn’t point to his own behaviors as the source of his humility? In these famous verses, Paul references a “thorn in the flesh” that he also refers to as a “messenger of Satan.” While we have no Scriptural basis for what this thorn in Paul’s flesh was, we know that he viewed it as something that kept him humble.
If you read the next few verses, you find out that Paul asked God three times to remove this problem that He was facing. In keeping with the theme of humility, take note of the fact that Paul didn’t assume that it was something he could figure out on his own. Instead, he recognized his own inability and asked God three times to make the issue go away.
While we would expect God to quickly adhere to Paul’s request, He responded the opposite way. Instead of removing Paul’s issue, God told Paul that His grace was sufficient. Additionally, God said that Paul’s weakness provided the opportunity for God’s strength to experience its full expression (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Much like Paul, we can find the opportunity to experience humility by embracing our own issues. You don’t have it all together, and that’s OK! Neither did Paul. Did God give up on him? Absolutely not. Will God give up on you? Of course not! You’re His child, even with your “thorns in the flesh.” Instead of viewing them as something shameful, we can embrace them as the chance to experience greater humility.
God Will Humble Us When Needed
2 Chronicles 12:1 (ESV)
When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him.
Rehoboam was a son of Solomon who became King of Israel after Solomon’s death. He was raised by a Godly man in Solomon, however, he allowed pride to enter in once he ascended to the throne. In fact, the Bible says that once he was established as the King of Israel, he abandoned the law of the Lord and took all of Israel with him. When you read the rest of 2 Chronicles 12, we find out what God did in the face of Rehoboam’s prideful approach to leadership. He allowed Egypt to come and raid the city.
It’s easy to let our accomplishments bring about a sense of pride. The struggle is found in the fact that we can enjoy our success without forgetting about God, who is the true source of our success.
When we approach our success from a viewpoint of our own strength, God can humble us. No, He may not allow your belongings to be rummaged by a neighboring country, but God does not look upon the pride of man favorably.
Rehoboam wasn’t the king because of anything he had done. Instead, he was simply the next in line to the throne. God had chosen David (Rehoboam’s grandfather) and had greatly blessed his father, Solomon. Instead of viewing his kingship as a blessing from God, he took a prideful approach and experienced a humbling experience at the hand of God.
Faith Produces Humility
2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV)
And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.’
Jehoshaphat was a faithful King of Judah who remained humble, even in the face of his personal success. When he was surrounded by multiple armies who came against him at once, he didn’t approach the battle from his own strength. Instead, the Bible tells us how he simply prayed for God to handle the situation for him.
Since Jehoshaphat was humble and full of faith, God sent the prophet to let him know that he would not have to fight the impending battle. Instead, God would fight the battle for Judah. All they had to do was enjoy the victory.
Humility is the product of faith. When you embrace the fact that you can’t do it on your own, you put your faith in God. Additionally, the acceptance of the fact that you can’t do it on your own produces the kind of humility that God is looking for in His people. Complete faith in God’s plan, purpose and provision for you is at the heart of becoming humble.
Humility does not equal weakness. In our modern culture, we are taught that self-reliance is the key to success. We hear phrases like “taking care of number one,” and “pulling yourself up by the bootstraps” and believe that those things are the key to success. However, our success is not found in our own accomplishments.
Does that mean that you shouldn’t enjoy your personal successes? Absolutely not! If you receive a promotion at work, you should enjoy the fact that your boss saw your hard work and recognized it. However, it’s equally important that you remember that it is God who gives you the power to gain wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).
Humility doesn’t mean that you view yourself as unworthy. Instead, humility simply means that you accept the fact that God is the source of everything good in your life.
A Closing Prayer:
God, thank You for every good thing in my life. I know that without You, I would have nothing. Help me to be ever mindful of the fact that You are for me, and that because of that, I have everything that I have. Help me to remember You in every success and to find Your goodness in every setback. In Christ’s name I ask these things, Amen.