How can I become more humble?

Definition of Humility

Humility involves recognizing one’s dependence on God and seeing oneself honestly in light of His holiness. It means acknowledging our limitations and refusing to elevate ourselves above others. In Scripture, humility is not self-deprecation; rather, it is a proper awareness of our place before an all-powerful and loving Creator.

Biblical Foundation of Humility

In Micah 6:8, the prophet declares, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” This foundation reveals that humility is integral to our relationship with God. In the New Testament, James 4:10 instructs, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”

Christ as the Ultimate Example

Philippians 2:5–8 describes the humility of Christ: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” This passage shows that Jesus, though God, chose to lay aside His privileges to serve humanity.

In John 13:14–15, Christ washed the disciples’ feet, teaching by example: “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.” Through this act, Jesus demonstrated that true greatness is found in service.

Contrasts with Pride

Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride blinds us from our need for help and leads to self-reliance that separates us from God. By contrast, humility opens our hearts to receive grace and fosters a realistic view of ourselves and others.

Practical Steps Toward Greater Humility

1. Continual Prayer and Confession

In prayer, we acknowledge our weakness and recognize that all blessings come from God. Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Confessing shortcomings, daily or even moment by moment, softens the heart and maintains an attitude of dependence.

2. Focus on Serving Others

Galatians 5:13 states, “You, my brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another in love.” Consistently looking for practical ways to help and encourage others prevents us from being overly concerned with our own status or recognition.

3. Meditate on God’s Greatness

Reflecting on the power of God’s creation fosters humility. As Psalm 8:3–4 notes, “When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers... what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?” Recognizing our place in the universe draws attention away from ourselves and toward the majesty of the Creator.

4. Practice Gratefulness

Regularly recounting God’s provision helps avoid the trap of entitlement. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are told, “Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Gratefulness and humility are closely related attitudes.

5. Embrace Correction

A humble person is teachable and willing to be corrected. Proverbs 9:9 encourages, “Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.” Seeking counsel and accepting guidance shape a humble character.

Examples from Scripture

1. Moses

Known as “more humble than any man on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3), Moses repeatedly returned to God for guidance and chose obedience over pride. Despite his high calling, he remained aware of his dependence upon God’s power.

2. John the Baptist

In John 3:30, John the Baptist declares, “He must increase; I must decrease.” John willingly stepped aside once he had fulfilled his mission of preparing the way for Jesus, illustrating a profound submission to a higher purpose.

3. The Tax Collector

Luke 18:13–14 tells how a tax collector cried out, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” Jesus explained that this humble attitude led to justification before God, while the proud Pharisee was not justified.

Promised Blessings of Humility

First Peter 5:5–6 encourages believers to “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.” Those who humbly trust and obey receive grace and are eventually lifted up in ways they do not seek for themselves.

Humility also contributes to unity in the community of believers. Ephesians 4:2–3 urges believers to walk “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Conclusion

Cultivating humility is an ongoing, intentional process. It involves regular self-examination, prayer, acceptance of God’s Word, and a willingness to serve others. As these practices become woven into everyday life, imitators of Christ experience deeper fellowship with God and with others. True humility shifts our focus toward God’s greatness, resulting in growth, grace, and the promise that He will ultimately lift up those who humble themselves.