In these present days when submission seems like a “forbidden fruit”, and self-appraisal – which often degenerates into pride – is the order of the day, one of the lost and forgotten virtues that identifies a true disciple of Christ is humility. Humility is not another word for weakness. It is not a word implying lack of conviction or indecisiveness, and it is not associated with a low social position. On the contrary, humility simply means the absence of arrogance and vanity. It is a state of being submissive.

The importance of humility is a common theme in the Bible. The scripture consistently links our humility to the quality of our relationship with God. Believers who spend qualitative time in the presence of God are easy to recognize: they are usually arrayed in the garment of humility since the Most High Himself tabernacles with them (Isaiah 57:15). If we want to be like Him, humility is the prerequisite.

Humility simply means the absence of arrogance and vanity.

We have been conditioned to think that to be humble is associated with a lack of self-esteem, but God says, “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit” (Proverbs 29:23). The world tells us that we must promote ourselves in order to receive honor, but the world got the order wrong. The Bible presents a different point of view – “Before honor is humility” (Proverbs 15:33; Proverb 22:4).  Jesus Christ is a perfect portrait of genuine humility. In Philippians 5:6-8, the Bible shows us how Jesus humbled himself even unto death. The Son of God became the son of man so that we, who are the sons of man, can become the sons of God (John 1:11). The consequence of this act of humility cumulated to His exaltation in Philippians 5:9-11.  This same attribute of Christ’s humility must be demonstrated in us (Philippians 5:5).

True honor only comes from God, and He exalts only those who are humble.  Jesus gave us a clear-cut example of humility when He stooped low to wash the feet of His disciples (John 13:1-17). The disciples must have been stunned at this act of humility, that Christ, their Lord and Master, should wash the feet of His disciples, when it was their proper role to have washed His. The humility expressed by His act with a towel and water basin foreshadowed His ultimate act of pure humility and love on the cross. Jesus taught us and showed us, it now our turn to demonstrate humility in all our ways.