Day 10 Through The Bible

Day 10: Humility Before God — A Call to Die to Self

As human beings, we are naturally inclined toward self-importance. We often measure our worth by what we accomplish, how others see us, and the things we possess. But the Bible consistently reminds us that no matter how much we may think of ourselves, we are nothing without God. He is greater than His creation, and our place in the world is only significant because He has chosen to give us value. Humility, therefore, is not optional for the believer—it is essential.

Biblical Principle: Absolute Truth from God’s Word

The Bible speaks directly to the issue of pride and humility, illustrating how we should view ourselves in light of God's greatness.

1.     Genesis 10:8: “And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.”
Nimrod is an example of someone who rose to great power, but his might was grounded in self-reliance and ambition. His pride would eventually lead to the building of the Tower of Babel, a symbol of mankind’s attempt to reach heaven and make a name for themselves. The ambition behind this was rooted in self-exaltation, which stands as a warning of the dangers of pride.

2.     Genesis 11:4: “And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”
The people of Babel, in their arrogance, wanted to make a name for themselves and become as great as God. But their plan was thwarted, showing that no matter how grand our aspirations, they pale compared to God’s sovereignty.

3.     Romans 12:3: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Paul urges believers not to inflate their sense of self-worth. Instead, they should measure themselves according to the faith and grace God has given them. True humility is recognizing that all we have, including our abilities and accomplishments, are gifts from God.

4.     James 4:6: “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
God’s response to pride is clear—He resists it. But He gives more grace to the humble. This is a beautiful reminder that we are not made greater by our achievements or self-exaltation but by our humility before God.

Practical Application: Works that Apply Biblical Principle

Humility is one of the most challenging virtues to cultivate. It requires a daily commitment to die to self, to put others before ourselves, and to remember that everything we have is from God. Here are some practical ways to live out this Biblical principle:

1.     Daily Dying to Self:
Humility is not a one-time decision—it is a daily process of choosing God’s will over our own. We are called to put aside our pride and selfish desires continually. This involves dying to our need to be correct, to have the last word, or to seek recognition for our efforts. Instead, we must make it a habit to seek God’s approval rather than the approval of men.

2.     Consider Others First:
True humility means prioritizing others’ needs and interests above our own. In our relationships, work, or ministry, we should consistently consider how our actions impact others. This doesn’t mean neglecting ourselves but prioritizing others in a way that reflects Christ’s love and selflessness.

3.     Accept Grace Over Being Right:
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being right is the ultimate goal. But humility teaches us that being right is not as crucial as being gracious. Even when we have the truth on our side, we must remember that grace is what we truly need. We must ask ourselves, “Do I need to be right, or do I need God’s grace more?”

4.     Remember Your Place Before God:
There will always be situations in which we are tempted to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. Whether in a conflict, a moment of success, or our relationships with others, we must remember that our worth is not based on our accomplishments but on God’s grace. Humility means acknowledging that all we have is a gift and that without God, we are nothing.

5.     Seek Humility in Prayer:
Prayer is a powerful way to cultivate humility. When we come before God, we are reminded of His greatness and our dependence on Him. Prayer is an act of humility, acknowledging that we cannot control everything and need God’s intervention. In the quiet moments of prayer, we are most reminded of our proper place in His plan.

Conclusion

Humility is a grace that God gives to those who recognize their dependence on Him. The Bible teaches us that no matter how mighty or successful we become, we must never forget that we are nothing without God. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but about thinking of ourselves less and focusing on the greatness of God. As we die to ourselves daily, consider others first, and accept grace over being right, we grow in the humility that pleases God. May we seek to live humbly, knowing that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.