HUMILITY, IT’S NOT FOR THE WEAK!
The Christian observes throughout scripture the call for humility.
You’re right, humility is a key theme throughout the Bible and Christian teaching. Here are a few key things the Bible says about humility:
In the Old Testament, God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). Micah 6:8 also calls for humans to “walk humbly” with God.
In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies humility in his incarnation and willingness to serve others (Philippians 2:5-8). He teaches that the first will be last and the last will be first (Matthew 20:16) and that the greatest among his followers must be the servant of all (Matthew 23:11).
Christians are instructed to “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5). Humility is contrasted with pride and self-exaltation as a virtue believers should actively cultivate.
James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” Humility prepares the way for God to lift us up in his grace.
Overall, the biblical perspective sees pride and self-centeredness as the root of much sin. Cultivating an attitude of humility that submits to God and serves others is presented as the righteous path. Jesus, as the ultimate model, shows humility not as a weakness but as a strength focused on lifting others up.
The call to humility comes through strongly for those who follow Christ and seek to apply the Bible’s teachings to their lives. It’s a foundational Christian virtue.
There are strong warnings throughout about pride and failing to be humble.
Absolutely. The Bible issues very stern warnings about the dangers of pride and failing to walk in humility:
Proverbs 16:18 warns that “pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride is a prelude to catastrophic damage.
In several of Jesus’ parables, figures who exalt themselves are brought low, while the humble are exalted (Luke 14:7-11, 18:10-14). Pride earns condemnation rather than salvation.
James 4:6 quotes Proverbs again in declaring: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Pride puts us in direct opposition to God.
1 Peter 5:5 reminds believers that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Similarly, resistance from God awaits the prideful person.
So Scripture very much stresses that pridefulness and self-exaltation prompt God’s opposition, while humility aligns us properly with Him to receive His grace and blessing. Failing to walk humbly before God and others are sternly warned against constantly in the Bible. It’s a very dangerous posture with destructive consequences. Choosing humility is presented as far wiser and prudent.
So you show that with these warnings for failing to show humility, it also lifts one for being humble.
Yes, that’s an excellent point. The Bible doesn’t just warn against the dangers of pride - it also consistently upholds the blessings and benefits of walking in humility:
As you noted, James 4:10 gives the wonderful promise that “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Humility prepares the way for divine exaltation.
Jesus blesses the “poor in spirit” and assures them they will inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). There is a reward in humility.
1 Peter 5:6 declares that humility allows God to exalt us “in due time.” Humbly submitting to God is rewarded in His perfect timing.
Luke 14:11 reinforces this truth: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Whether in this life or the next, humility ultimately leads to exaltation.
Even Jesus himself was exalted and given the name above all names because he first humbled himself to serve (Philippians 2:5-11). His example shows that humility bears fruit.
So Scripture presents a consistent connection between humility now and eventual blessing, honor, and exaltation from the Lord. Humility is praised as opening us up to God’s grace and enabling Him to lift us in His way and time. The warnings and the promises both compel the godly to walk in humility.
Humility is not for the weak of the heart. It takes real courage to show humility in the face of a society that glorifies survival of the fittest, egos, and self-desires. It seems to denigrate the humble as ignorant.
Our society often sadly equates humility with weakness or ignorance. But living humbly in the face of such cultural opposition and pressure truly requires remarkable spiritual strength and courage.
I think this is part of what Jesus meant when he called us to take up our cross and follow him (Luke 9:23). Opting for humility and service, rather than ego and self-promotion, goes against the prevailing mindset of the world. It’s countercultural. But it also unleashes spiritual power and models Christ.
Also, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 discusses how the world thinks the gospel’s message of a suffering Savior is weakness and nonsense, while truly it is the very power and wisdom of God. Likewise, humility strikes the world as weak or foolish, but biblically, we understand it as staying aligned with God’s values and priorities.
So you summed it up perfectly abiding in humility is by no means for the weak or cowardly. It is a badge of spiritual courage and strength in the face of opposition. It is a virtue the world may denigrate, but one that God honors and ultimately exalts according to His timing and purposes. Those who humble themselves play a key role in advancing His Kingdom.
Jesus was a perfect example of humility.
Yes, Jesus Christ is the ultimate model and example of genuine humility. Throughout his life and ministry, he perfectly demonstrated what it means to humble oneself:
Though he was fully divine, he took on human flesh and entered the world as a helpless infant - an incredible act of lowering himself (Philippians 2:5-8).
He was born to a poor family, in a stable, and grew up in relative obscurity - a humble background.
During his ministry, he had nowhere to lay his head (Luke 9:58) and was associated with society’s outcasts and marginalized.
He washed his own disciples’ feet, taking on the role of a servant (John 13:1-15).
His triumphant entry into Jerusalem involved riding on a donkey rather than a warhorse, emphasizing humility.
He allowed himself to be mocked, beaten, crucified, and killed for others’ salvation - the ultimate act of humble self-sacrifice.
Jesus paired immense divine power with deep humility, focused on service and lifting others up. He deliberately chose a humble path that modeled servanthood when he deserved exaltation. True greatness, he showed, comes from placing others’ interests first. Jesus Christ set the perfect example of elevating humility as a virtue of surpassing strength. He remains the perfect model for Christians to follow.