Hunger and Thirst: Humility

ANNOUNCE my new book: 10 Simple steps to Humility and how I did it in 7!

Humility

John 13:3–5 “3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”

John 13:12–17 “12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”

What Humility is…

Humility is not a character quality you can actively “work on”.

Humility is that grace that, when you know you have it, you have lost it.

Andrew Murray

(the most humble person you know is probably not even aware of it)

Humility is the victorious result of God winning the war against our pride.

Pride thinks much of one’s self. Humility is not thinking less of one’s self, rather humility is thinking of one’s self LESS.

Pride’s ugly twin sister- False Humility

What Humility is not…

False Humility:

False humility is when someone pretends to be humble, but their actions or attitude reveal ulterior motives, insincerity, or pride. It often involves downplaying one's abilities, accomplishments, or worth in a way that is disingenuous or aimed at manipulating others. Instead of being rooted in genuine modesty or selflessness, false humility is often a subtle form of self-promotion or an attempt to gain favor, attention, or sympathy.

Examples of false humility:

Fishing for Compliments: Someone publicly downplays their abilities or achievements to invite praise or reassurance from others.

Performative Modesty: Publicly showcasing humility for the sake of being seen as virtuous or noble.

Refusing Help to Appear Strong: Declining assistance not out of confidence or competence but to appear self-sufficient.

False Denial of Talent: Claiming they are not good at something they clearly excel in, seeking validation or acknowledgment.

Refusing gratitude: Disallowing anyone the privilege of expressing gratitude, emphasizing one’s claim on unworthiness.

Why is false humility problematic?

Inauthenticity: It undermines genuine relationships because it lacks honesty and sincerity.

Focus on Self: Though it appears outwardly self-effacing, it often centers on seeking approval or admiration from others.

Manipulation: It can be used to manipulate others into offering praise, attention, or opportunities.

True humility, on the other hand, involves a realistic view of oneself—neither overestimating nor underestimating one’s abilities—and directing focus away from oneself to serve or uplift others.

Humility is to make a right estimate of oneself. It is no humility for a man to think less of himself than he ought.

Charles Spurgeon

It gets in the way of enjoying the power and presence of God when we take on the calling of God in our lives.

“Oh I could never…..for the Lord” (like so-and-so)

Comparison will continually stunt our growth in the Lord and rob us of any joy we might otherwise have.

Matthew 16:24–27 ESV

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.

Humility is expressed in genuine servanthood

reflects the nature of Jesus, the Servant

Growing in Humility

Lose your war with God.

Serve one another as God gives you opportunity.

Romans 12:10 “10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”