We Need It: Humility

Full-text Scriptures are below the devotion.

Our modern culture celebrates self-esteem and promotes selfishness, arrogance, pride, and narcissism. But genuine Christianity celebrates humility.

Humility is one of the most basic elements of true Christianity (Micah 6:8). 

1. It's necessary for honest repentance and effective prayer (2 Chronicles 7:14; James 4:8-10).

2. It brings us God’s favor (Isaiah 66:2).

3. It’s essential for developing true wisdom (Psalm 25:9).

4. It’s a safeguard (Proverbs 16:18-19). 

5. It gives us a realistic view of ourselves (Romans 12:3).

6. It’s important in relationships (Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:3-4).

💙Best of all…

7. Humility draws us closer to the Lord. 

Isaiah 57:15: "The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: 'I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.'"

💙Beyond 1-minute for those who want more:

Read through these Scripture passages below, and ask God to show you areas where you need to be more humble.

1. It puts us in the right attitude for effective prayer. 

2 Chronicles 7:14: "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." 

James 4:8-10: "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

2. It brings us God's favor.

"These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” ~ The Lord, Isaiah 66:2 

3. It’s the attitude that leads to wisdom.

Psalm 25:9: "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." 

4. It’s a safeguard for us.

Proverbs 16:18-19: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud."  

5. It gives us a realistic view of ourselves.

Romans 12:3: "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." 

6. It’s an important characteristic for getting along with others.

Ephesians 4:1-3: "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." 

 

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