The Spirit of Humility

By Augusta Obasa

Abuja, Nigeria

He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.

 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.

Luke1:52-55

In her glorious song of praise to God for the great gift that lay in her womb, Mary celebrates the grace, mercy and faithfulness of God. She pronounces an eternal truth that rejoices all who seek after the Lord with a needy heart, in humility of spirit and with a deep hungering, longing for Him. 

Oftentimes we in the church emphasize what a person should do more than who a person should be. Molding Christ-like character is the most important element in a person’s life that determines the trajectory of their talents and influence.

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “Man’s character is his life.” 

Likewise, famed American basketball coach John Wooden said, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” 

One of the important aspects of godly character is HUMILITY. God emphasizes it more than any other character traits in the scriptures, except LOVE.

Humility is so important that God takes note when someone walks in it.

for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed

Luke 1:48

Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.

Numbers 12:3

Spiritual growth takes humility, pride kills it. 

What is humility? Humility is dependence on and confidence in God. It only seeks to give God credit. Humility has to do with viewing yourself in the proper manner regarding your gifts, abilities, purpose, weakness and limitations. The degree of humility is based upon how a person responds to failure, power and obedience to God.

 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5

In the above scripture, humility toward others is not exclusive but inclusive.

I was once told of the story of a woman who went for a job interview, not knowing that the CEO of the firm she wanted to work for disguised himself to be a cleaner on the day of the interview in order to study the character of the people he was to interview. When the woman got to the firm and met this cleaner at the reception area, she spoke to him in a very rude and disrespectful manner. Though her résumé qualified her for the job, her character disqualified her.

How Can We Develop Humility?

•       Deny Ourselves

Matthew 16:24 -- Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

Jesus Christ made clear in the above scripture that to follow him, we must deny ourselves. Jesus here is demanding humility, as it takes humility to deny oneself.

True humility comes out of a healthy Christ-centeredness from within the heart of a person (John 3:30). It is the result of a person responding to God and the realities of life with wisdom from the experience of life.

•       Have a Heart of Submission; Humble Ourselves

1 Peter 5:5-6

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.” 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

We are commanded to humble ourselves. If we do not humble ourselves then God will humble us. God wants us to acknowledge that apart from Him we can do nothing.

•        Be Grateful for What We Have

1 Thessalonians 5:18

…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Let us count our blessings and be thankful for them. 

•       Ask for Help When We Need It.

There is, as many of us will ruefully recognize, a form of pride that lies in being able to solve our own problems. Humility, therefore, lies in recognizing when we need help and being able to ask for it. 

•       Seek Feedback from Others 

This is, perhaps, particularly important for those of us in leadership roles, but we can all gain from hearing what others think of us.

In conclusion, Jesus is the perfect example of humility.

Philippians 2:4-12 

-        He came as a servant to those He created.

-        He made Himself of no reputation. He did not show off.

-        He humbled Himself to the point of death.

As a result, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above all other names.

Questions for Reflection:

1.      What comes to mind when you hear the word humility?
2.      How can you nurture humility in your life?
3.      What benefits and promises are there for those who walk in humility?