It's important to understand that humbling ourselves is more than just thinking less of ourselves or avoiding bragging. Humility is a journey that leads to grace. Many believe that being humble means thinking poorly of yourself and constantly belittling your abilities and achievements, but this is harmful. True humility is about having an accurate understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. It’s recognizing your worth and abilities without feeling superior to others. As C.S. Lewis put it, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”
Some believe that humility requires passivity, avoiding assertiveness, and allowing others to walk over you. In fact, humility involves strength and courage. It means being assertive without being aggressive, standing up for what is right, and setting boundaries while treating others with respect. Jesus exemplified this through His gentle yet firm approach to leadership and justice.
Another misconception is that humility requires hiding your talents and achievements to avoid seeming boastful. True humility allows for the acknowledgment of one’s talents and achievements, giving glory to God and using them to serve others. It's about recognizing that these gifts are from God and should be used for His purposes.
Humility, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, is not just a theoretical exercise but a practical, daily commitment to live out our faith authentically. So, as I promised on Sunday, here are five ways to help us humble ourselves before God, each backed by Scripture (because we all appreciate Bible-based lessons, right?) and made practical for our daily lives as we aim to reflect and reveal the unselfish love of Christ in all that we do.
Acknowledge God's Sovereignty and Your Dependence | Isaiah 45:5-6
Daily Affirmations: Begin each day with a prayer acknowledging God's sovereignty. Simply say, "Lord, I recognize that You are more than in control, that You are, in fact, in charge of all things, and I depend on You."
Scripture Reflection: Research and familiarize yourself with the scriptures highlighting God's power and sovereignty. This keeps our focus on His greatness and our need for Him.
Surrender Moments: Consciously surrender your worries and plans to God throughout your day. When facing decisions or stress, take a moment to pray and trust in His guidance.
Seek Forgiveness from God and Others and Pay it Forward | Matthew 6:14-15
Confession and Repentance: Make it a habit to regularly confess your sins to God, asking for His forgiveness. This can be part of your daily prayers. You can also approach someone that you trust for accountability. Less like a priest activity and more like an ally.
Extend Forgiveness: Actively seek reconciliation with those you have wronged and those who have wronged you. This might involve a phone call, a conversation, or a heartfelt letter. Remember that forgiving is about letting go; if the other person refuses to forgive you, that is on them.
Acts of Kindness: Pay forward the grace you've received by performing direct and thoughtful acts of kindness. These acts, inspired by the forgiveness and grace you've experienced, can be a powerful testimony to others.
Practice Gratitude with Action and Prayer | 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Gratitude Journaling: Keep a journal where you write down things you're thankful for each day. Reflect on these blessings regularly and share your testimony when possible
Thankfulness in Prayer: Make gratitude a central part of your prayer life. Start and end your prayers by thanking God for specific blessings and answered prayers.
Service Projects: Engage in service projects or volunteer work as a way to express your gratitude through action. Serving others is a tangible way to show thankfulness for what God has done in your life.
Share Your Faith and Build Others in Faith | Matthew 28:19-20
Personal Testimony: Share your personal testimony with friends, family, or coworkers or request that your pastor give you a time to share during worship. Your story of faith can inspire and encourage others.
Bible Study Groups: at the very least, join a Bible, but more importantly, start a Bible study group. This will strengthen your own faith and help build a community of believers who support and grow with each other.
Mentorship: Seek opportunities to mentor new believers or those younger in their faith. Guiding someone else can be a humbling and enriching experience.
Cultivate a Spirit of Gentleness and Patience | Galatians 5:22-23
Mindful Reactions: Practice gentleness and patience in your reactions. When faced with frustration or anger, take a moment to breathe and respond with kindness.
Active Listening: Show gentleness by listening actively to others without interrupting or judging. This builds trust and shows respect.
Patience in Trials: In times of difficulty, remind yourself of God's timing. Trust that He is at work, even when answers aren't immediate.
Humbling ourselves before God is a transformative journey that draws us closer to Him and to His grace. By acknowledging His sovereignty, seeking forgiveness, practicing gratitude, sharing our faith, and cultivating a spirit of gentleness and patience, we align ourselves with His will and experience the fullness of His grace. May we each commit to these practices and grow in our walk with the Lord.
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