Humility: A Heart Attitude of Dependence on God

True humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. It is having an accurate assessment of yourself by not thinking too highly of your worth or social standing, while also avoiding a poor self-image. Humility means seeing yourself through God's eyes, acknowledging His sovereignty, and recognizing that all you have comes from Him.

Understanding True Humility

Humility is a heart attitude that requires us to have a right view of ourselves before God and others. Pride in our ability and importance is a major reason for falling (Rom 12:3; Gal 6:3). A truly humble person who continues to redirect the credit for their accomplishments to the Lord can handle honour and success correctly (Prov 18:12, 29:23). The essence of humility is recognizing that it's not what we do, but what God accomplishes through us that is important, with the credit going to Him (1 Cor 3:7-9).

True humility is never about becoming a doormat—allowing others to walk all over us, manipulate us, or treat us with disrespect while we passively accept it. Jesus, our ultimate example of humility, was never a doormat. He boldly confronted the religious leaders, overturned tables in the temple, and spoke truth to power while maintaining a humble heart (Mt 21:12-13; Jn 8:1-11). He set clear boundaries, sometimes withdrawing from crowds to pray alone or refusing to perform miracles on demand (Mt 12:38-39; Mk 1:35-37). Biblical humility includes having healthy self-respect and understanding our worth as children of God, enabling us to say "no" when appropriate, refuse to be manipulated, and stand up for what is right without arrogance or aggression.

The practice of foot washing, which Jesus instituted at the Last Supper, beautifully illustrates this balanced understanding of humility (Jn 13:1-17). In that culture, foot washing was the task of the lowest servant, yet Jesus—the Son of God—wrapped a towel around His waist and washed His disciples' feet, including the feet of Judas who would betray Him. This was not an act of weakness or submission to abuse; it was a deliberate demonstration of sacrificial love and service from a position of strength. Jesus was in complete control, fully aware of His identity as Lord and Teacher, yet He chose to serve. Foot washing teaches us several vital lessons about authentic humility: it is voluntary and intentional; it requires lowering ourselves in position without losing our dignity or identity; it serves even those who may not deserve it or appreciate it; and it washes away the dirt of daily life—the offenses, misunderstandings, and conflicts that accumulate in relationships.

Jesus demonstrated perfect humility throughout His ministry. He said, "If you want to be great, you must be a servant, for even I came to serve" (Mt 20:26-28). Childlike trust and humility make a person great in God's Kingdom, a total contrast to the world's value system (Mt 18:1-4). Paul served in humility and exhorted his readers to be completely humble and gentle (Act 20:19; Eph 4:2). False humility is an excuse of not attempting to do something; true humility (even with trepidation) is doing it with the Lord's help—acknowledging "By myself I can do nothing" yet "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength"—a humble confidence and dependence on Him (Jn 5:30; Phil 4:13).

Walking in Humility Daily

We are to make our requests known to God, with the condition of "not my will but yours be done" if there is a conflict (Mt 26:39). Humility acknowledges His right to be in charge, and submitting to doing His will instead of our own by "Seeking first His Kingdom" (Mt 6:33). This produces a tender heart that is attentive to His voice; where He gives the orders, we obey. This submission to God's will actually strengthens our ability to set healthy boundaries with others. When we are secure in our identity as God's beloved children, we don't need the approval of others to feel worthy. We can say "yes" or "no" based on God's leading rather than fear of disappointing people or desire to please them.

God blesses, guides, hears the prayers of, and gives grace to those who possess humility but is against the proud (Ps 25:9; Prov 22:4; Dan 10:12; Jas 4:6). In fact the Bible declares, "I [God] live…with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit" (Isa 57:15). When we humble ourselves He will move on our behalf, for He will not overlook a humble, broken and repentant heart (2 Chr 7:14; Ps 51:17; Lk 1:48). The purpose for which God allows us to experience outward affliction is so we have the option to choose to "clothe ourselves" with the spirit of humility within, putting to death the hard 'flesh nature' and knowing Him better (Col 3:5,12; Jas 4:10; 1 Pet 5:5,6). That attitude of humility must be maintained or else pride and confidence in our self-ability will become a snare and result in our downfall (Jdg 7:2; 1 Sam 15:17-19).

We are given the choice to voluntarily humble ourselves, however if we exalt ourselves through arrogance and pride in our ability without acknowledging His hand of blessing we will be brought low (Mt 23:11-12; Lk 14:7-11).

If I don't keep humble, I will be humbled

In order to humble yourself regularly examine your life, and with a 'responsive heart' quickly own up and genuinely confess your sin to God (2 Chr 34:27; Ps 32:5; Lk 18:9-14). Look at your own faults and the depravity of your own heart in the light of the perfections of Christ. Do not seek to notice the errors and defects of others, but when you do speak the truth in love and desire their sanctification so they will be built up in Christ (Mt 7:3-5; Eph 4:15). Often our sin is also against others, to whom we must also confess and ask forgiveness—this is a true test of our humility (Jas 3:2, 5:16). Submit to the authority structures over you; if you can't respect the person, respect the position they have (1 Pet 2:18). Accept wrong patiently, without reacting or trying to justify yourself (1 Pet 3:8-17). Graciously receive correction and feedback from others, as there will be some element of truth in their observation (Prov 10:17, 12:1).

Endeavour to elevate others and serve them, not yourself or your own interests (Lk 7:36-39; Phil 2:4). Be continually thankful to God for the gift of salvation (1 Thes 5:18). As pride is a hallmark of our human nature, whereas God's nature in us brings humility, we should continually deny our self-nature with its reactions and embrace the cross (Lk 9:23; 1 Cor 15:31). The attitude of humility says, 'I need you God, I can't do it on my own'—it enlists God's help and obeys His direction, trusting in His mercy (Zep 2:3, 3:12). Humility puts others first, giving credit to God and other people for the beneficial input received—it is gentle and not pushy (Ps 115:1; Phil 2:3; Tit 3:2).

Humility doesn't demand its own way; it is more concerned with fulfilling responsibilities than ensuring needs or rights are being met. Humility is having a proper respect for God, others and ourselves. There is no desire of revenge for the wrong done to us (Mt 18:21-35). Being saved is humbly accepting God's offer of mercy as a gift we don't deserve—it's not by our own efforts (Eph 2:8-9). Let another notice and praise you, don't boast in your own ability rather that you know God, acknowledging it's He who gives the ability to get riches and achieve (Deut 8:18; Prov 27:2; Jer 9:23-24).

Humility and God's Kingdom

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus began the list of character traits He was looking for in His followers with "Blessed are the poor in spirit (or humble) for to them belongs the Kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:3). Whatever God asks us to give up and surrender to Him is so He can give us something better (Lk 18:18-30). Do I love and trust God enough to yield up my rights and all I have to Him? With humility Christ becomes more prominent in my life and my desires and carnal ways reduce (Jn 3:30).

We are to have the same attitude as Jesus did, laying down our life for others. He humbled Himself and did not retaliate in any way, but instead committed Himself to God's righteous judgement and voluntarily gave His life to redeem us, the rebellious sinful creatures He had made (Mt 11:29, 26:63; Phil 2:5-11; 1 Pet 2:23; 1 Jn 3:16).

It's not about me, it's about my Lord – humility is submitting to His Lordship

When we speak out against sin and confront others, it must be with humility—with the aim of restoring relationship with God and others (Gal 6:2). It should not be done lightly but with a right attitude. "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God" (Mic 6:8). The more humble we become the more grace of God can flow into and through us. Moses was recognised as the most humble person on the earth (Num 12:3). Being humbled is when a wise person is reminded of their true condition before God.

Reflection and Application:

In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride, and how can you acknowledge God's sovereignty in these areas?
Are there people you need to ask forgiveness from as an expression of true humility?
How can you practice serving others without seeking recognition this week?
What rights or possessions might God be asking you to surrender so He can give you something better?