Walking in Humility:
We live in a world and a time that values self-promotion, personal achievement, and independence. Humility is most often overlooked. Humility should be considered not just a trait, but a practice shaped by our beliefs and teachings. It’s thinking of ourselves rightly—through the perspective of God’s truths and the needs of others.
The basis for this word is found in two scriptures, Micah 6:8 and Philippians 2:3–4. These two passages provide insight in walking in humility. Both passages suggest that humility is active, relational, and is rooted in a committed mindset.
Walking in humility means:
- showing an ability to understand others,
- to share their feelings,
- making them more important than ourselves, and
- living rightly with our hearts aligned to higher principles, God’s principles.
Micah 6:8 is often cited as being a clearly expressed summary of right living: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Humility is an essential quality in our walk. It is considered a part of what is “good” in our relationship with our Father.
"Doing justice" as Micah relates, means treating others fairly, upholding truth, protecting the vulnerable, and resisting oppression. It demands that we show integrity and righteousness in every relationship. Justice is not just something to admire; it is something to practice.
Likewise, "love kindness" means to go beyond what we would consider “duty” and show compassion. It means giving grace and showing mercy even when they are undeserved.
Micah continues by telling us to “walk humbly with your God.” We need to have a relationship marked by submission to His will, depending on His leading, and having a deep respect for who he is. Humility is essential for living out justice and mercy; by it we avoid falling into self-righteousness and a shallow kindness. It shows us our need for God, and that everything we do is centered on Him.
In Philippians 2, Paul encourages the church to adopt unity through humility. Verses 3–4 are clear directives: “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.” This is crucial to our walk and challenges our natural tendencies.
The instruction “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit” addresses pride. Prioritizing self. This is not to say that ambition is wrong, but when it focuses mainly on personal gain, it can lead to division, envy, and conflict. Conceit, or vainglory, is when we feel that we are greater than we are. Both selfish ambition and conceit have negative impacts, not only on others but on us.
Paul tells us to “consider others more significant than ourselves.” It doesn’t mean that we should undervalue our own self-worth but rather we should choose to hold others in high esteem. It involves recognizing their needs, their dignity, and their value—and responding to them with sincere care and commitment.
Verse 4 suggests further: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Humility is active. It requires attention, empathy, and initiative. He encourages us to refrain from selfishness and to actively seek the well-being of others.
A great example of humility is found in Philippians 2:5–8: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”.
Jesus, though equal with God, humbled Himself, becoming a servant and obeying His Fathers will to the point of death on a cross. This is a model for us to follow. We are not to hold onto status or recognition but instead humble ourselves for the sake of others.
Regular sessions of self-examination and confession can help us to walk humbly. Pride often raises its ugly head behind good deeds or religious language. Therefore, we need to ask the Holy Spirit daily to show us where we are seeking our own glory or resisting God's leading. Then when He shows us those areas, we need to turn to Him and ask Him to forgive us for our failings and accept His grace of forgiveness.
Serving without recognition is another area where humility is demonstrated. Whether it's washing dishes, volunteering behind the scenes, or giving generously, it shows a commitment to helping others. The goal is not to gain applause but the satisfaction of benefiting the community and supporting others.
Micah’s call for walking humbly reminds us that life's journey involves stumbles and failures, yet we must continue, trusting God to guide us. Though humility is difficult and demanding, it leads to a life of joy and peace.
The practice of humility results in beneficial outcomes. According to James 4:6, . . . “Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Pride is opposed, while humility is rewarded with grace. In the same manner, 1 Peter 5:6 says: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.” suggesting that humbling ourselves leads to our being lifted up in due time.
In the pride-driven world we live in, acts of humility or walking humbly stand out. When non-believers see believers living with quiet strength and love, they are drawn to the gospel. It shows them that our confidence lies in God, not ourselves.
Walking in humility is challenging, but it’s what God asks of us. It involves setting aside our personal ambitions and valuing others. In every step, we should follow the examples of those who have demonstrated true humility.
Ed Johanson