2. Acknowledge your sin to others. (James 3:2,
James 5:16) Humility before God is not
complete unless there is also humility before man. A true test of our
willingness to humble ourselves is being willing to share with others the
weaknesses we confess to God. Wisdom, however, dictates that we do so with
others that we trust.
3. Take wrong patiently. (1 Peter 3:8-17) This has been a difficult one for me. When something is unjust
I want to react and rectify it. However, patiently responding to the unjust accusations
and actions of others demonstrates our strength of godly character and provides
an opportunity to put on humility.
4. Actively submit to authority…the good and
the bad! (1 Peter 2:18) Our culture does not value
submission; rather it promotes individualism. How purposely and actively do you
work on submission to those whom God has placed as authorities in your life?
Doing so is a good way to humble yourself.
5. Receive correction and feedback from others
graciously. (Proverbs 10:17, 12:1) In the
Phoenix area, a local East valley pastor was noted for graciously receiving any
negative feedback or correction offered. He would simply say "thank you
for caring enough to share that with me, I will pray about it and get back to
you." Look for the kernel of truth in what people offer you, even if it
comes from a dubious source. Always pray, "Lord, what are you trying to
show me through this?"
6. Accept a lowly place. (Proverbs 25:6, 7) If you find yourself wanting to sit at the head table, wanting
others to recognize your contribution or become offended when others are
honored or chosen, then pride is present. Purpose to support others being
recognized, rather than you. Accept and look for the lowly place; it is the
place of humility.
7. Purposely associate with people of lower
state than you. (Luke 7:36-39) Jesus
was derided by the Pharisees for socializing with the poor and those of lowly
state. Our culture is very status conscious and people naturally want to
socialize upward. Resist the temptation of being partial to those with status
or wealth.
8. Choose to serve others. (Philippians 1:1, 2
Corinthians 4:5, Matthew 23:11) When we
serve others, we are serving God’s purposes in their lives. Doing so reduces
our focus on ourselves and builds the Kingdom of God instead of the Kingdom of
self. When serving another cost us nothing, we should question whether or not
it is really servant hood.
9. Be quick to forgive. (Matthew 18: 21-35) Forgiveness is possibly one of the greatest acts of humility we
can do. To forgive is to acknowledge a wrong that has been done us and also to
further release our right of repayment for the wrong. Forgiveness is denial of
self. Forgiveness is not insisting on our way and our justice.
10. Cultivate a grateful heart. (1 Thessalonians
5:18) The more we develop an attitude of
gratitude for the gift of salvation and life He has given us, the truer our
perspective of self. A grateful heart is a humble heart.
11. Purpose to speak well of others. (Ephesians
4:31-32) Saying negative things about
others puts them "one down" and us "one up"…a form of
pride. Speaking well of others edifies them and builds them up instead of us.
Make sure, however, that what you say is not intended as flattery.
12. Treat pride as a condition that always
necessitates embracing the cross. (Luke 9:23)
It is our nature to be proud and it is God’s nature in us that brings humility.
Committing to a lifestyle of daily dying to self and living through Him is the
foundation for true humility.
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