Philippians 2.3-5
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
Humility is a distinguishing attribute of authentic Christianity. Because humility is a cardinal virtue in the Christian life, it is very important to understand what it means and what it does not mean. Humility does not mean weakness or meekness. It does not mean being docile, passive, or soft. It does not mean being a pushover.
What humility does mean is not having an inflated or exaggerated view of yourself. It means having a right perspective of yourself in relation to God and others. It is recognizing who God is and then placing yourself in right position to him, which is humble obedience. It means submitting yourself — putting yourself under — the Lord’s authority and truth.
It also means not elevating yourself above others. Humility does not look only to its own interests; it proactively seeks to serve and support others.
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment.” (Romans 12.3)
Awareness is an important part of humility. When you are truly humble, you recognize who you are and your gifts and abilities (self-awareness), and you recognize how you fit into a given situation or set of circumstances (situational awareness).
Rather than being weak or passive, the biblical virtue of humility actually means strength under control. God has given us great power to wield here on earth, but if that power is not submissive to God’s authority, it’s impact can be disastrous. A humble person recognizes that whatever power and authority he has is a gift from God and is to be used in obedience to his truth and guidance and in the service of others.
An airline pilot isn’t humble if he abandons the cockpit in the spirit of humility. Nor is the surgeon humble if she turns away from the patient on the operating because the doctor is smitten with a sense of humility.
Humility also has to do with your motives. Is your intent to dominate others, or to support them? Is your intent to serve or be served? Is your motive to elevate yourself, or build up other people?
True, eternal honor is the reward for humbling ourselves beneath the mighty hand of God our Father.
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4.6)
