Humility has gotten a bad reputation in recent years. Many people now think it’s a synonym for low self-esteem. But Moses “was a very humble man, more humble than any man on the face of the earth” (Numbers12:3). He certainly wasn’t lacking in assertiveness! He stood up to Pharaoh, dealt with the rebellious Israelites and spent 40 long years doing one of the toughest jobs in all of history.
Moses is pretty clear evidence that God’s definition of humility is different from what the world would have us believe. Moses was absolutely certain that God was the all-powerful creator and ruler of universe Yet Moses also understood that his life, worthless as it might seem, was in some inexplicable way of infinite importance. This paradox between being nothing and everything is the beginning of humility.
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“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up,” it says in James 4:10. We hear the same idea echoed in the Gospel: “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). God honors us when we are humble, in part because we are open to His guidance. It’s only then that He can show us what is right and teach us in His way (Psalm 25:9).
Six steps to walking humbly with God
Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). To be like Christ, we must follow His example of humility. How can we learn to walk humbly with our God?
1. Remember who’s in charge—and praise Him!
It’s hard keep things in perspective if we don’t remember who is Lord! Psalm 90 is a good place to start.
2. Pray for a humble heart.
Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the ways in which pride gets in the way of your relationships.
3. Pay more attention to your own faults than to the flaws of others.
Confess your failings, but don’t obsess—move on!
4. Don’t hide behind your dignity—it’s pride’s favorite hiding place.
Your real value lies in God’s eyes, not in the eyes of the world. Remember: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
5. Try not to watch yourself worship.
Give all of your heart and mind to God.
6. Serve others.
The fastest way to humility is the way Christ chose. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Mark 10:45).
