Serve Him With Humility

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” James 4:6This month our focus is on living out an important Christian virtue: humility. A brief description of it’s nature, manifestation, and attendant rewards will comprise the content of this piece.Humility is not primarily a quality of outward sacrifice or performance, but profoundly a lowly and meek spirit (Ps. 51:17; Mic. 6:8).

In other words, an individual manifesting humility admits total dependence on God, shows genuine respect for others and makes choices that are clearly God-honoring. Our model and perfect example is Jesus Christ (Matt. 21:29; 1Cor. 4:21; Phil. 2:1-11).

Jesus did not only speak about being humble but practiced what he preached. He condescended to the level of sinful men and washed their feet (Luke 7:38). Jesus also “became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross” (Phil. 2:8). His selfless sacrifice that took Him to the cross makes it not only possible to know God’s incredible love, but sets an example for us to follow in His footsteps.

In the Old Testament, we have a classic example of a man who the Bible describes as the world’s most humble person. Numbers 12:3 says that Moses was “a very humble man, more humble than anyone on the face of this earth.”

In the New Testament also, we are admonished not to look down or speak evil of others, but in lowliness of mind esteem them better than ourselves (Phil. 2:3b; Rom. 12:3). Living a lifestyle of Christian humility has many benefits.

First of all, wisdom is given to the lowly in heart that guides them to make right decisions and choices towards godly paths of righteousness (Ps. 25:9; Prov. 11:2). A second benefit is that the meek enjoy God’s favor and honor (Prov.15:33). Finally, all who walk humbly with their God will be exalted in this life and the next (Luke 1:52; James 4:40; 1Pet. 5:6).

In sum, while pride leads to destruction, humility brings God’s favor and abundant blessing, in this life and the life to come.