Humility and the Fear of God

by | Mar 13, 2024 | articles

The concept of humility is a recurring theme in the Bible. It is often described as a virtue and something that God highly values. But what exactly does it mean to be humble?

In simple terms, humility can be defined as having a modest or low view of one’s own importance. It involves recognizing that we are not the center of the universe and that others are equally important. Humility also involves being open to learning from others and acknowledging our own flaws and limitations.

Sometimes, when you’re on top of the world, everything seems to go your way, and you feel invincible. It can be easy to become prideful and forget about humility in those moments. However, the Bible cautions against this kind of thinking.

Proverbs 16:18 NKJV says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This verse reminds us that pride and lack of humility can lead to our downfall. When we become too focused on ourselves and our accomplishments, we become vulnerable to making mistakes and causing harm to ourselves and those around us.

On the other hand, humility benefits our relationships with others and God. James 4:6 NKJV says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” When we approach God with humility, recognizing that He is in control and we are not, we open ourselves up to receiving His grace and blessings. The fear of God and genuine humility go hand in hand.

Furthermore, being humble can also improve our relationships with others. When we are humble, we are more likely to listen and understand others’ perspectives instead of being stubborn and only focused on our own opinions. This can lead to healthier and more harmonious relationships.

But how can we cultivate humility in our lives? One way is by following the example of Jesus, who humbled himself even to the point of death on the cross for our sins (Philippians 2:8). We can also practice gratitude and remember that everything we have and achieve is ultimately by the grace of God.

I believe I heard this from a Sunday sermon: practice JOY. J stands for Jesus first, O stands for Others second, and Y stands for Yourself last. We can maintain a humble perspective when we focus on Jesus and serve others rather than ourselves.

Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but of ourselves less. It involves having the right balance of confidence in our abilities while also recognizing our dependence on God’s grace and the contributions of those around us. As Christians, it is important to continually strive for humility in all aspects of our lives, following the example of Jesus and remembering that true greatness comes from being humble. So, let us continue practicing humility and see how it can positively impact our relationships, attitudes, and walk with God. May we always strive to be humble before Him and before others, for that is truly living in accordance with God’s will. Let us remember the words of Proverbs 22:4 NKJV, “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” So, let us embrace humility as a virtue and see how it can improve our lives.

In Matthew 11:29 NKJV, Jesus says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” As we learn from Jesus and strive to imitate Him, we will also become humble in heart.

Let us not forget that humility is not a one-time achievement but a continuous journey. Along the way, we may stumble and fall into pride, but let us always remember to turn back to God with a humble heart and seek His forgiveness. And as we continue to grow in humility, we will also experience the blessings and benefits that come with it. So, let us embrace humility as a way of life and remember that it is through our humbleness that we can truly reflect the character of Christ to those around us. Let us strive for true greatness by embracing the virtue of humility. Philippians 2:3 NKJV reminds us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” May we strive to put others before ourselves and walk humbly with God.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

Stay humble. Respectfully fear God, for His awesome power will set you on the right path in the Lord’s eyes.

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about the author

Drean Martin
I am a passionate content writer with 10 years of experience in the field. I specialize in creating engaging, SEO-friendly content that helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals. I have a knack for crafting compelling narratives and turning even the most complex ideas into simple, digestible pieces. Whether it's blog posts, social media content, or website copy, I bring creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of digital marketing to every project.

Comments

2 Comments

  1. Sandra Carol Snyder

    The Lord is my Shepherd whom shall I fear. He leads me in to the path of righteous. He says come to the throne of God with. Confidence and receive more grace and mercy.2024. March 31.

    Reply
    • FollowerOfChrist

      That is beautiful. Such a wonderful prayer. We hope you enjoy our website. More to come. Check back soon.

      Reply

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