What Is Humility?

 by Elizabeth Stewart

He leads the humble in what is right, and the humble He teaches His way. 

Psalm 25:9 AMPC

What is humility? It can often be seen as a weak and wimpy character trait, but in my opinion, it's one of the most powerful, godly traits we can have. Humility is, at its root, truly understanding our utter need and dependence on God. When we have this understanding then we realize we never have a reason to think of ourselves as better than someone else. We realize that all that we have and all that we are is due to God's grace in our lives, not because of some inherent worthiness on our part.

Humility is something we choose, not something we ask God for. His Word instructs us to humble ourselves under His mighty hand, and He will exalt us in due time. So humility is the opposite of self-promotion. It is trusting God to promote you if and when it's His time. Wow, that's convicting me even as I type the words. Our culture tells us that we must fight for our rights, promote ourselves and shove others out of the way so that we can climb the ladder if we want to succeed.Yet, in God's upside down kingdom, we go lower to get higher.

I sure want to God to lead me in the right way, in His way. Yet too often,  I choose the way of pride and refuse to be easily led. Like a toddler I say, "I'll do it myself", in essence wanting to go my own way instead of God's. Humility lets God lead. It is trusting in and submitting to God's leadership.

I don't think we can just make a one time lifetime decision and declare, "I choose to be humble!" as if  that's all there is to it. I think that humility is a moment by moment choice in life's various situations and circumstances.

-I chose to focus on others instead of drawing attention to myself.

-I chose to congratulate someone when they are getting the promotion I wish I had.

-I chose to serve when I'd rather be served.

-I chose to listen when I'd rather give my opinion.

-I chose to give when I'd rather spend on myself.

-I choose God's way even when it's not convenient or isn't popular with others.

I have so much to learn and so much room to grow when it comes to choosing humility in my own life, but it's never too late to start, right in this moment, and then in the next, and the next, and the next. 

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