Cultivating Humility by Annie V. of USA

Cultivating Humility

Between Genesis and Revelation, humility is mentioned around 100 times. As Christian leaders we know humility is an important part in our daily walk with the Lord. What is humility and how can we cultivate it in our daily lives?

According to the KJV dictionary, humility is: “…freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind, a modest estimate of one’s own worth…” One thing to note from the definition is that humility involves a humbleness of mind, not just outward action. Also, it is the absence of pride, so we must be careful of striving in our own strength for humility. Our accomplishment can become a source of the pride we are trying to get rid of! Let’s look to the Bible and Jesus’ example for how best to cultivate humility.

Philippians 2:3-8 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross!

From this passage you can see we need to value others above ourselves, care about others interests, become a servant to others, and be obedient to God. “Others” were mentioned three times in that short sentence! The key is to focus on others and not ourselves.

Personally, I also find reading the stories of Isaiah and John before God’s throne (Isaiah 6:1-7 & Revelations 1:9-18) a great way to humble myself before God’s greatness.

Prayer- Father, help me cultivate a mindset that cares for others more than my own needs. Help my willingness to obey and be guided by You in all I do. Amen