There are two kinds of humility mentioned in the Bible. Firstly, there’s false humility. Paul writes, ‘Do not let anyone who delights in false humility…disqualify you’ (Colossians 2:18 NIV). Being falsely humble is acting like we’re putting others and God first, but actually doing things for own motives. Whether it’s the way we dress, the way we speak, or our behaviour, anything we do that draws attention to us and away from Christ is displeasing to God. Secondly, there’s true humility. Truly humble people don’t take offence easily or fight back; they turn the other cheek. But this doesn’t mean that they’re cowardly or weak; true humility actually requires courage. Humility means we take a lower place than we deserve, we keep quiet about our achievements, and we tolerate comments, insults, and false accusations for the sake of a higher purpose. True humility doesn’t make us think less of ourselves, it makes us think of ourselves less. Peter addresses the subject in these words: ‘“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honour’ (1 Peter 5:5-6 NLT). Pride disqualifies us from enjoying the favour of God. Instead of trying to force things and promote ourselves, we need to wait and allow God to lift us up in His timing. James 4:10 says a similar thing: ‘Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up’ (NIV). We should remind ourselves regularly: ‘Everything I am, I owe to God; everything I have came from God. To Him be all the glory.’

What Now?

Set a daily reminder on your phone to say the words: ‘Everything I am, I owe to God; everything I have came from God. To Him be all the glory.’