The Power of Humility - Soul Choice Ministries

Jesus is our supreme example of humility. Many people think that a humble person is someone who is passive, lacks confidence and does not stand up for himself. This is completely unbiblical. So what is a truly humble person like?

In God’s eyes, it is someone with a contrite spirit (feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for sin or shortcoming). This is not someone who lacks confidence but rather is confident because of what Jesus has done for them. Proverbs 14:26 states, “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence” (2 Thess. 3:4; Heb. 3:6; 10:35; 1 John 2:28. Proverbs 22:4 also says, “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.”

A truly humble person is neither haughty in any way nor demanding or condescending. He is also not weak or passive. He is direct and strong yet shows love and consideration for everyone. A humble person is someone who prays and fasts, doesn’t think too highly of himself (Rom. 12:3) and doesn’t demand special treatment. Paul said in Philippians 4:12, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound.” Proverbs 15:33 states, “Before honor is humility.” If you humble yourself, God will exalt you.

The life of Jesus reflected the characteristics of a humble person. What was Jesus like? The Bible shows that He is purposed, yet not forceful; He is uncompromised, yet not demanding. He is forthright, yet not inconsiderate; He speaks with infinite wisdom, yet is not condescending. He is kind, yet without partiality; He always displays love, yet without conditions. He never softened His message in order to be liked or accepted. He simply stated the truth. His message was clear. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6). He said, “I came…to save the world” (John 12:47). He said in John 8:24, “If you do not believe that I am He (the Savior) you will die in your sins.” He said in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” In John 10:30 and 36 Jesus said, “I and my Father are one. . . . I am the Son of God.” His message was uncompromising, because He spoke truth.

Another characteristic of humility is obedience. Jesus himself showed obedience. Philippians 2:8 says, “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Hebrews 5:8 states, “Though he was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” Our obedience demonstrates we are submitted to authority, which reflects humility.

If the Creator of the entire universe can show humility in obedience to the Father, then who are we to do otherwise?

An excerpt from Bill’s book, Recession Proof Living