I would not consider humility a popular concept today. We are often surrounded by people competing and tearing others down in order to gain power or a higher status. It is not our flesh’s desire to be picked last or go unrecognized.

While it is a normal longing to want to feel seen and valued, imagine a world where people humbly put others before themselves time and time again. Ponder on what that world may look like and how Jesus may be glorified.

So, what does it mean to be humble? Let’s dive in to understanding true humility, looking to Scripture, and examining spiritual practices.

If you believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ — the ultimate example of humility — then you should have a desire to become more like Jesus in his willingness to choose the hidden way of love rather than the way of power.²

Calhoun suggests these practices:²

• Refrain from image management
• Keep silent about accomplishments
• Back away from becoming the center of attention
• Avoid favoritism

Some other ways you can build a muscle of humility may include allowing someone to skip you in line, offering to do the dishes and clean, privately serving others or asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of pride in your life.

If you want to learn more about humility, consider adding a Spiritual Formation and Discipleship minor to your degree or attend GCU’s Spiritual Formation workshops. Fill out the form on this page to learn more.

Have you ever been given a compliment by someone — perhaps following an accomplishment — and you downplayed it in an attempt to be humble? For example, saying, “Thank you, but I’m really not that good.” We do and say things like this more often than we may realize; however, it is an example of false humility. Writer C.S. Lewis says, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”¹

So, what is true humility? It is not denying our giftings and combating the truth in what God says about us. However, instead of putting one’s worth in these giftings, humility stems from having something besides yourself as the center. Disciples of Jesus are inhabited by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, a disciple of Jesus doesn’t require validation and praise from man. A humble person is truly free.

Author Adele Calhoun says practicing true humility may provide the following God-given fruit:²

• Firm identity
• Liberation from outside approval
• Ability to love your neighbor as yourself
• An authentic life of gratitude

You may be wondering, Where do we see humility in the Bible? It’s essential to look to Scripture when learning about a spiritual practice to gain a right understanding and practice the way of Jesus.

We find the ultimate example of humility. Even Jesus, who was fully God, “made himself nothing” and took on the nature of a servant (Phil.2:7, NIV). Rather than using his power as an advantage, the Savior of the world chose to humbly serve others. Therefore, as humans, we too should serve without entitlement and complaint.

Here are more places where you can explore humility in the Bible:

• “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” — Proverbs 11:2 ESV
• “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” — James 4:10 ESV
• “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” — Ephesians 4:2 NLT
• He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30 ESV
• “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:29 NIV