This is a loaded question. If you have a humble heart, you probably do not think you do, or you definitely do not want to acknowledge it to others. Because to be humble means you do not think of yourself but are concerned about lifting up Jesus. A humble person recognizes that anything about them that is good is because of God. A humble person recognizes their need for a Savior. They may excel in the world’s eyes, but they give all the glory to God. They understand their own spiritual need.
In Matthew 18:4 Jesus is teaching that we are to humble ourselves as little children. A little child is usually void of ambition and pride. We too are to lay aside our selfish ambitions and be a servant as Christ was while here on earth. We are to serve not seeking attention or accolades for what we have done.
Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
One day as Jesus was walking to Capernaum with His disciples. He overheard them disputing with one another about who should be first. When they arrived at the home they would stay in, He asked them what they were disputing about. They must have realized their arrogance and pride in what they were saying because they would not say. He uses this time as a teaching moment. In Mark 9:35 he tells them that those who desire to be first will be last and servant of all. In Matthew 23:12 Jesus warns them that those who exalt themselves will be abased, meaning humbled, but the one who humbles himself shall be exalted.
Mark 9:33 “And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.”
Matthew 23:12 “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
A humble person can forgive easily because they understand how much they have been forgiven. If it were not for God’s grace, we would all be doomed to Hell. In God’s eyes, there are no big and little sins. We are all sinners with a sinful nature, and we are all capable of doing almost anything apart from God’s grace and indwelling spirit. It was Paul who said in I Corinthians 15:10, it was only by God’s grace that he was what he was. This person has a sense of their unworthiness and is thankful to be used by God.
I Corinthians 15:10 ‘But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
A humble person esteems others better than themselves. This is not a cowering down low self-esteem type of feeling. This person is trusting God to take care of them as they think nothing of themselves. It pleases them to make others happy and they love to serve. Philippians 2:3-4 teaches us that this is the mind of Christ. As He laid down His life for others, so we are to serve in such a way.
Philippians 2:3-5 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”
A humble person delights in others’ success. They are not jealous. A humble person does not see ministry as something they deserve but something they are privileged to do for God. They are thankful to be used. They also are humbled by how much they have to learn, and the more they learn the more they realize they need to dig deeper in God’s word. A humble person is never satisfied with their spiritual life because instead of comparing themselves to others their example is Jesus. They are striving to be like Him, and they understand it is a lifelong journey that will end in Heaven.
A humble person lives for Christ, not themselves. They can say as Paul did in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Examine yourself. Pray and ask God to show you areas of pride in your life. Make up your mind to exalt Christ and love Him more. Consuming love will result in obedience and a view of God that is humbling.
