Bible/Advice/Resources

By Summer Lane

Photo: Pixabay

In a world that tells us that our lives are all about ME, ME, ME, is humility an antiquated idea from yesteryear? Or is it an essential virtue every Christian should embrace?

To be honest, the Bible is pretty clear on the subject of humility. Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” James 4:10 also reminds us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”

What is humility? Technically speaking, it’s a low view of one’s own importance or self – it is an exuding sense of humbleness, and it is quite the opposite of arrogance. It is not self-deprecation or self-loathing. It is simply understanding that we are imperfect and that self-worship tends to lead to self-implosion. We can see this modeled often in the Bible, most prominently, of course, when Jesus Christ humbled Himself and died for the sins of humanity on the cross.

Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

There is a constant call in the Bible for us to lean into humbleness and lean AWAY from arrogance and puffed-up self-importance. We are told to put others before us, to consider their needs before our own, and to emulate Christ in how we approach viewing ourselves. But humility is not something that comes naturally for many people. Our sin nature tempts us to elevate ourselves and our own needs above everyone else’s, and it is the Christian struggle to push back against this and to hone the self-discipline to remain focused on Christ and to serve others more than ourselves.

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Humility is the PERFECT antidote to the cultural norm of hyper-individualism, says Philosophy Professor Mike Austin:

Being humble in a world obsessed with self-worship may not be the easiest thing to do, but it’s a great way to be more Christlike and exemplify the message of the Gospel! This is a subject Mike Austin knows well. He’s a philosophy professor at Eastern Kentucky University and the author of Humility: Rediscovering the Way of Love and Life in Christ. He discusses the link between humility and love, and how humble curiosity can help engage people in conversations about the Gospel rather than turn them off to it. American culture focuses on hyper-individualism: me, me, me! But God’s Word encourages Christians to focus on others rather than themselves. Focusing on fostering humility within your own home is the best way to help your kids embrace a humble lifestyle as they grow with God.

Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series and Resurrection Series. She is an experienced journalist and editor who is covering the White House and Trump administration. She owns Write Revolution News.

Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats, and gardening. She is passionate about writing on women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.

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