James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” This verse reminds believers that true humility before God brings His favour, blessing, and upliftment. Humbling oneself before God is an act of recognising His greatness, surrendering our pride, and yielding to His will.
Here’s how you can do this through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, with some examples and relevant Bible passages:
1. Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty and Authority
- Humility begins by recognising God as Creator and Lord of all. When we acknowledge His authority, we realise our dependence on Him for everything.
- Example: King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 was a powerful ruler who had to learn humility through personal experience. After he boasted about his kingdom, God humbled him, making him live like an animal until he acknowledged, “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men” (Daniel 4:32). Only after he recognised God’s sovereignty did he regain his sanity and position.
- Do not wait for God to actively humble you. Instead, willingly choose to humble yourself before God. As Nebuchadnezzar discovered, being humbled by God can be a truly profound experience
- Related Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
- Trusting and leaning on God’s wisdom over our own is an act of humility that places Him above our judgments.
2. Confessing Sins and Seeking God’s Forgiveness
- Humility includes admitting one’s sins and shortcomings to God. This is a way of saying, “I am a sinner, and I need Your mercy and grace.”
- Example: King David demonstrated this humility when confronted by the prophet Nathan for his sin with Bathsheba. David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm 51 shows his brokenness before God: “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).
- His sincere confession and plea for mercy reflect genuine humility.
- Related Verse: 1 John 1:9 emphasises confession: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
- Regularly confessing our shortcomings and weaknesses before God is a humble acknowledgment of our imperfections. This is one of the markers of a person walking in humility before God.
3. Living in Obedience to God’s Commands
- Obeying God’s commands is another way of humbling ourselves because it shows we submit to His ways rather than following our desires.
- Example: Jesus Christ, although He was equal with God, humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His obedience reflects the ultimate humility before God’s will.
- This is the type of humility that is expected from us who identify as believers of Christ Jesus.
- Related Verse: 1 Peter 5:6 tells us, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
- This means trusting God’s timing and His commands, knowing they lead to His best for us. Furthermore, the key to greatness or divine upliftment in His kingdom is humility
4. Serving Others Selflessly
- Humility before God also involves serving others, considering their needs above our own. This reflects God’s own character of love and humility.
- Example: Jesus washing His disciples’ feet in John 13:3-5 is a powerful act of humility and service. Although He was their teacher and Lord, He performed a servant’s task to model true humility.
- Related Verse: Philippians 2:3-4 encourages believers to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
- Serving others is a way of humbling ourselves and living in a way that pleases God.
5. Relying on God Through Prayer and Fasting
- Fasting and prayer express dependence on God, showing that we are willing to deny ourselves to seek His face and strength.
- Example: The people of Nineveh humbled themselves through fasting and prayer when Jonah preached to them. They recognised their sins and sought God’s mercy, and He spared them (Jonah 3:5-10).
- Related Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face… then I will hear from heaven.”
- Fasting and prayer are acts of humility, acknowledging that we need God’s intervention.
6. Accepting Correction and God’s Discipline
- Accepting correction, whether through His Word, His Spirit, or even others, is a way to humble ourselves. It shows we’re open to God’s wisdom and willing to change.
- Example: In Hebrews 12:5-6, believers are encouraged not to despise God’s discipline.
- The passage says, “The Lord disciplines the one he loves,” so accepting His discipline is an act of humility that aligns us with His will.
- Related Verse: Proverbs 12:1 says, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
- Receiving correction with humility fosters spiritual growth.
7. Praising and Thanking God for His Goodness
- Regularly expressing gratitude for God’s blessings and giving Him praise is a way to recognise that all good things come from Him, not from our own abilities.
- Example: In Luke 17, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him, humbly acknowledging what Jesus had done. Jesus responded by commending his faith, showing the importance of a grateful heart.
- Related Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
- Giving thanks is a humble acknowledgment that we are recipients of God’s grace and provision.
Summary Reflection
Humbling ourselves before God involves recognising His authority, confessing our sins, obeying His commands, serving others, relying on Him in prayer, accepting discipline, and giving thanks. These actions align our hearts with His, allowing us to experience His uplifting power in our lives. Each of these practices draws us closer to God and allows His grace to flow, helping us grow in Christlikeness.
God bless you, in Jesus Name. Amen
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: Holy Spirit, please help me to walk in humility before God, all the days of my life, in Jesus Name
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