Be Humble
Jesus taught that true greatness in God's kingdom comes through humility, becoming like a child. Humility isn't thinking less of yourself - it's thinking of yourself less and honestly acknowledging your dependence on God. It matters because pride is the root of most relational and spiritual problems, while humility opens the door to grace. In daily life, humility looks like being teachable, admitting when you're wrong, celebrating others' successes, and approaching God with childlike trust.
Details
- Category
- Character & Conduct
Key Passages
Become as little children
Matthew 18:3-4
Jesus uses a child's natural dependence and lack of status as the model for kingdom entry - humility is not self-deprecation but honest acknowledgment of need.
3nd said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
He that shall humble himself shall be exalted
Matthew 23:11-12
Jesus states a kingdom principle - self-exaltation leads to humiliation while self-humbling leads to divine exaltation, inverting worldly strategies for advancement.
11ut he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Did You Know?
Jesus took a child and placed him in the middle of the disciples arguing about greatness. The greatest in the kingdom is the one who becomes like this child. Humility is not weakness. It is the posture of trust.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride is the one sin that cannot coexist with grace. Humility is the soil in which every other virtue grows.
The way up in the kingdom is down. The one who exalts himself will be humbled. The one who humbles himself will be exalted. This is not a threat. It is the law of the kingdom.