There can be a lot of different opinions about what humility is. We often think of humility as being quiet, submissive and believing you can’t do certain things. But what does the Bible say?
Here are four Biblical points that every Christian should know about humility.
1. Humility means submission, but not being someone’s “slave”
Humility and submission go together. God’s Word tells us that, as Christians, we have to submit to one another in lowliness of mind. “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 5:5-6.
By being submissive and “clothed with humility” we can create peace and unity with the others. We should be humble enough to accept correction or advice. We should also not think that our own opinions and thoughts are always better than those of others. Thinking like that won’t lead us to any growth or unity in Christ.
At the same time, being submissive and humble does not mean that we have to bow down to other people. Paul was very clear when he said that we should serve God alone. For “you all were bought at a great price, so do not become slaves of people.” 1 Corinthians 7:23 (NCV). He also writes: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (ESV).
While it is important to be submissive, meaning that we should accept correction and remain lowly in our own eyes, as Christians we must seek to please God with our lives. We need to fear Him and keep His word. Our goal should be to humble ourselves under God’s will and to keep His commandments, not to try to please people by giving in to their human demands and expectations.
2. Humility does not mean that we are silent or passive people
“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty ... You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT). God wants us to have a gentle and quiet spirit. It is very important that we are humble and quiet in our heart and mind, so that we can hear what the Spirit speaks to our hearts throughout the day.
But to have a gentle and quiet spirit doesn’t mean that we should be passive and do nothing. God also wants action and zeal in our lives. Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven is taken by force. (Matthew 11:12.)
Everyone who wants a deeper life with Christ knows that they need to be active and zealous, as well as humble in their heart. Sin may never have power in the heart of a disciple! If we are humble of heart, and truly want to do God’s will, then we will do whatever it takes to keep our hearts and minds pure. Paul writes that we should "never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12:11 (NLT).
While we should always have a quiet and gentle spirit before the Lord, there are some situations where God wants us to be bold and speak up. Then we should not think of our own honour and reputation, but obey the Lord with fear. We must remember that if God wants to do something through us, then we can do it. We should allow God to use us exactly as He wants in every situation.
3. Humility means we use our talents and abilities
“And because of God's gracious gift to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you.” Romans 12:3 (GNT). To have a humble mindset is to think soberly and modestly about ourselves. This means that we don’t boast about all that we have achieved or can do, but rather that we confess that the abilities we have come from God. (2 Corinthians 3:5.)
This also means that we should not ignore the gifts and the heavenly calling that God Himself has given to us. God wants to do a great work in us and through our lives! He has given each one of us our own talents and gifts, and bought us with the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-20.)
God wants to be able to use us to His glory and for His purpose, and we should be aware of this. Humility is that we use our talents and abilities under God’s direction and leading, and give Him the honour and glory for what is done in and through our lives.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT).
4. Humility is the key to progress
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you … Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:6-8,10. God works according to His laws. It is a natural law that if we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand and give up our own will and honour, then He will give us the grace that we need to live a Christian life in truth. And He will lift us up in His time.
To be humble is to have the same mindset as Jesus Christ. He was in the form of God but did not consider being equal with God a thing to hold on to. Instead, He took on the form of a servant and came in the likeness of men. “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:7-8 (ESV).
Jesus is the greatest example of humility. He did not cling to His own important position or honour, but of His own free will gave it up in every situation so that God’s will could be carried out and God could be glorified through His life.
If we have this same humble mindset and give up our own reputation and honour in order to be obedient to God’s word and will, then we can make great progress in our Christian lives! In fact, God looks closely to our hearts and is ready to strengthen everyone who wants to live unto His honour and glory. “The Lord says, ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house, then, could you build for me, what kind of place for me to live in? I myself created the whole universe! I am pleased with those who are humble and repentant, who fear me and obey me.’” Isaiah 66:1-2 (GNT).
God wants us to be among those who have a humble mindset and a longing to do His will, who tremble at His word. We must not be rich and satisfied in ourselves. That is pride and stops God from working in us and changing us. No, we should be humble and lowly of heart. Then God will think of us and give us the grace we need to make true progress in our Christian lives.
