In my teenage years, I assumed this Ms. Independent identity. I did well in school. My teachers liked me. However, when others asked me for help, I would tell them to read the material from class, because it was easy. I do not think many people liked me very much, can you tell? The truth is, I knew how to do and get the grades, but I did not think I was good at explaining. I guess that is what you call a haughty spirit, not very humble at all. Although I did ok, something was missing, I knew I could always do better, but it required humility.
I had no idea what I was doing back then. I did not think I knew much, but I studied. Now I know I have a natural ability to learn and gain knowledge. I thought everyone was like me – if I could do it, they could too. No one corrected me about this attitude. And so, I continued like this into adulthood. I was prideful, but I did not know it.
What does it mean to be humble, and what is humility?
The Britannica dictionary defined humble as:
1. Not proud
2. Not thinking of yourself as better than other people.
3. Not high in rank or status.
4. Not special, fancy, or expensive.
From the same dictionary, humility is defined as the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people: the quality or state of being humble.
The Biblical definition of humility is the fear of the Lord.
Many scriptures speak to how God views humility:
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself. Philippians 2:3.
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “ God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5.
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12
I gleaned from these scriptures that we need to be humble to know and submit to the will of God. Knowing that God is real is one thing, but allowing Him to be Lord over your life requires humility.
The example of humility
When I hear of humility, my first thought is Jesus and his life here on earth. Jesus is God incarnate, He humbled himself, came into this world as a baby born of simple parents in a manger. He lived in a lowly town – Nazareth (can anything good come from Nazareth? (John 1:46). He humbled himself to God the Father: he prayed, fasted, and submitted his will (Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done – Luke 22:42).
In our culture today, this does not make sense; God the creator of the world, was born in a manger? Why not a castle? After all, he is the King, therefore a castle would be most fitting. Or that he made himself just like us, experienced life just like us – lowly people. Why not a priest or famous person, and living in a well-known city? No, He humbled himself and did not consider himself equal to God. He emptied himself by taking on the nature of a servant. Jesus made himself low.
What does humility look like in our lives?
Dependence on God
Today, culture says be yourself, do it yourself, be authentic. However, you cannot know your true self without God; everything else is an illusion and deception. It was God who made us, we did not make ourselves. You are who He says you are – that is the authentic you. To know your authentic self, you need to surrender to God; you need to depend on Him. Dependence on God can be a struggle in a world that says, “do you boo.” But fear not, Jesus says to follow him; he is the perfect example of an authentic person. You are one decision away if you are not already surrendered.
When God begins to show you who you are, you may feel intimidated. On your own, you cannot do the things God said about you or be the person He called you to be. He will begin to mold you into the likeness of His character – you will be tested. In a world that is trying to shut out God, this season will seem like all hell is breaking loose in your life: you will be persecuted, rejected, and have obstacles. But consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3). Stay connected to God and endure.
Getting to know God and your true self will give you an understanding of the world and people. The scriptures call this opening the eyes of your understanding, meaning the truth is being revealed to you, and the truth will set you free. The truth about God, yourself, and people give you true freedom to walk into what God calls you to do. And it requires humility.
Knowing that it is not about you
Know that you need people. Understand that God works through people; it may not always be someone you like or even know. Do not be so self-righteous that you think you know it all. The individualism and independence that the world teaches are deceptive and are lies. If you find yourself in a place or situation where you can do everything for yourself, not needing or helping anyone, you may not be in the will of God. There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12.
Although God works through people, do not think that He has to do everything through a particular people or group of people. God can use people for a season. Also, he can use anyone He wants. Sometimes even though you might believe a particular person is supposed to help you, God could be moving that person from your life, so you can depend on Him and not the person. It is God who directs our steps. Gain an understanding and discern what God is doing.
Also, what God called you to do is connected to others. Do not think the gifts and calling on your life are only for you – they are for other people. You are obligated to walk it out to help those who are connected to you. Remembering this will keep you humble.
Many of us pray for things to happen in our life. We want to see God move. And He does, but most times He uses other people. Even the story of Jesus speaks to this. God could have saved the world without all the drama – after all, He created the world out of nothing. But, he made himself like us and walked among us, humbling himself. He showed us a model of what it means to surrender to Him; this is true humility.
Trusting God’s timing
Know that God controls time and seasons. What does this have to do with humility? Many of us have big dreams and goals, God may even give us a vision, we make plans to fulfill these. When we have unmet expectations, we get frustrated at people and God. We believe that certain people should help us, rather than allowing God to direct us to people. We believe it should happen at a certain time, rather than trusting God’s timing.
God’s timing requires us to wait patiently. Patience is a virtue most of us do not have. We are in a microwave or fast-food culture, who wants it now. Know that God sees your beginning and end, He knows what is in your future and He is preparing you for it. Relax and wait.
As believers, we are called to be humble. To experience life and have it abundantly we need humility. “Truly, I tell you unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3. You need to forget what you think you know, and what you think is best for yourselves. Allow God to do good work in you; He has a plan for you, a plan not to harm you, but for a hope and a future. God is for you, even when the circumstance may not be good, He is working it for your good. You need to believe this and let your lives exhibit this.
When I committed my life to God, I placed all my plans in his hand. I still had this sense of independence, but God began to chip it away, little by little. I began to understand this when none of my plans were fruitful. We should still plan. Planning is an act of faith (thinking you have control over that plan is not). Be fluid in your planning. Plan, but keep in mind that “Thy will be done” – this is how you surrender and live out humility.