Humility: An unpopular word these days?

“Believe in yourself.” “You are capable of accomplishing anything!” “Learn to be self-sufficient.”

Messages like these may sound appealing, but, unfortunately, they promote pride rather than humility. And if there’s anything the Bible speaks out against, it’s pride.

Don’t get me wrong: healthy self-confidence is fine. I know I could have used more affirmation as a child to avoid insecurities as I moved into adulthood. But I think we know when healthy self-image crosses the line into pride.

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18). And in Proverbs 8:13, pride is listed as something God “hates.”

I don’t know about you, but I need God on my side – and I need Him near, especially in times of trouble. That’s why Psalm 138:6 gets my attention. It says, “Though the Lord is great, He cares for the humble, but He keeps His distance from the proud.” I do not – repeat, not – want God to keep His distance from me!

The Old Testament prophet, Micah, in Chapter 6, verse 8 says “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

"Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12 to clothe ourselves with humility, so we should make it a goal to live humbly each and every day."

“Moses spent forty years thinking he was somebody,” wrote Dwight L. Moody. “Then he spent forty years on the back side of the desert realizing he was nobody; finally, he spent the last forty years of his life learning what God can do with a nobody!”

Billy Graham said, “Jesus had a humble heart. If He abides in us, pride never dominates our lives.” Perhaps you’re not even sure that Jesus does abide (or live) in you. Admitting you are a sinner in need of a Savior may be a necessary first step for you. Psalm 18:27 tells us that “You [God] save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.”

In Romans 8:23 we’re told that “all have sinned.” That separates us from God the Father, who is holy, and we can never be good enough by our own efforts to be reconciled to Him. We need Jesus’ sacrificial death on Calvary’s cross.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,” states John 1:12.

Years ago, it was explained to me with two diagrams, each showing a throne like a king would sit on. On one throne, an “S” for self (which could also be called ego) runs or controls the person’s life. On the other throne, a cross representing Christ runs or controls the person’s life. Which describes you?

Once you turn your life over to Him, ask Him to empower you to overcome the natural bent we all have toward sinful pride. Tell Him you want to walk humbly with Him going forward. He’ll answer that prayer.