I believe everyone struggles with insecurities to some degree. We all have things about ourselves, or our circumstances, that cause us to feel inadequate from time to time. Of course, those insecurities are not always obvious. Some people seem naturally humble, while others come across as arrogant in their attitudes and behavior. But the more I interact with people, the more I wonder how often arrogance is simply an attempt to compensate for personal insecurities.
Some people seek recognition by building themselves up in others’ eyes. They might pursue wealth, influence, or positions of prominence, believing these things will somehow establish their worth. Success is not inherently wrong, but when our sense of worth depends on how others perceive us, we can easily develop an unhealthy attitude toward ourselves and others.
On the other hand, many Christians struggle with feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. They may recognize their weaknesses so readily that they fail to appreciate the abilities and opportunities God has given them.
The answer to both extremes is found in a proper understanding of humility. Biblical humility does not require us to think that we are worthless, nor does it permit us to exalt ourselves above others. Rather, it teaches us to recognize our place before God and to use whatever blessings He has entrusted to us in His service.
In fact, I believe genuine humility can help us develop greater confidence, not because we have become impressed with ourselves, but because we have learned to place our confidence in the Lord.
What Does the Bible Teach About Humility?
The Hebrew word ʿănāwâ (עֲנָוָה), often translated as humility, carries the ideas of meekness and modesty. Throughout Scripture, God presents humility as a quality He expects of His people.
Solomon wrote, “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4). The apostle Paul described his own ministry as “serving the Lord with all humility” (Acts 20:19). Peter likewise instructed Christians to “be clothed with humility,” reminding them that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
Clearly, humility is not merely an admirable quality; God commands it!! Nevertheless, knowing that we ought to be humble is one thing. Understanding how to demonstrate humility in our lives is another.
Thankfully, we have a perfect example in Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ: The Perfect Example of Humility
When we examine Jesus’ earthly life, we discover that humility was evident in virtually every aspect of His existence.
His Birth and Upbringing
Jesus was not born into a wealthy or influential family, nor did He enter the world in the kind of surroundings we might expect for a king. Luke records that Mary “wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).
He also grew up in Nazareth, a place that apparently did not enjoy an impressive reputation among some of His contemporaries. When Nathanael learned that Jesus was from Nazareth, he asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46).
Later, when Jesus taught in His hometown, some questioned His authority because they knew His family and occupation. They asked, “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary?” (Mark 6:3).
How often do people make similar judgments today? We sometimes evaluate others according to their family background, hometown, or occupation. Yet none of these things determines a person’s worth before God!
His Appearance and Possessions
Isaiah prophetically described the coming Messiah, saying, “He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2). The emphasis is that His greatness would not be established by the outward splendor people might expect.
Our world places tremendous importance upon physical appearance. In fact, some become arrogant because of their looks, while others struggle with insecurities because they believe they do not “measure up.” But Jesus’ example reminds us that genuine worth is not determined by outward attractiveness.
Jesus also did not measure success by material possessions. He declared, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20).
This does not mean that material wealth is sinful, nor that poverty automatically makes someone righteous. Rather, Jesus demonstrated that the value of a person’s life is not measured by appearance, possessions, or social standing.
His Knowledge and Association with Others
During the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus entered the temple and began teaching. Those who heard Him marveled, asking, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” (John 7:15). Their question reflected surprise that Jesus possessed such knowledge without the formal training they expected. Jesus explained that His teaching came from the Father who sent Him (John 7:16).
Certainly, there is nothing wrong with pursuing an education. However, there is a difference between appreciating knowledge and becoming arrogant because of it. Education should equip us to serve more effectively, not make us look down on others.
Jesus also demonstrated humility in the people with whom He associated. The Pharisees and scribes complained, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). What they intended as criticism actually revealed something wonderful about our Lord! Jesus was willing to associate with those whom others rejected, not because He approved of their sins, but because He desired their repentance and salvation!!
We should never become so impressed with ourselves that we consider anyone beneath our kindness, compassion, or concern.
His Willingness to Serve and Obey
Perhaps the greatest demonstration of Christ’s humility was His willingness to serve. Jesus declared, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Think about that! If anyone had the right to demand service from others, it was Jesus Christ. However, He willingly assumed the role of a servant.
Jesus Himself extended this invitation: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). His humility was not just something He taught; it was evident in the way He lived and treated others.
His humility was also evident in His submission to the Father… In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the suffering that awaited Him, Jesus prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).
The apostle Paul summarized this remarkable attitude when he wrote that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant,” and ultimately “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:7–8).
Jesus’ humility was not the result of weakness or insecurity. He knew who He was, understood His purpose, and willingly submitted Himself to the will of His Father. What an example for us to follow!
Humility Does Not Mean Thinking Less of Ourselves
Sometimes Christians mistakenly associate humility with thinking poorly of themselves. They believe that acknowledging their abilities or developing confidence in their work is somehow inconsistent with being humble.
Yet, Jesus was humble without being insecure about His identity or purpose. He spoke with confidence, taught with authority, and faithfully accomplished the work His Father had given Him.
We do not have to pretend we lack abilities to be humble. Neither should we become discouraged because our abilities differ from those of someone else.
Paul warned Christians against thinking more highly of themselves than they ought, while also encouraging them to think soberly and recognize the differing gifts God has given (Romans 12:3–8).
Humility involves an honest assessment of ourselves. We acknowledge our weaknesses without allowing them to defeat us, and we appreciate our strengths without becoming arrogant. Above all, we recognize that whatever good we accomplish should ultimately bring glory to God.
This should encourage Christians who struggle with feelings of inadequacy while challenging those who are tempted to become proud.
The Blessings of a Humble Heart
Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God is attentive to those with humble hearts. Psalm 9:12 declares that the Lord “does not forget the cry of the humble.” Likewise, the psalmist wrote, “LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear” (Psalm 10:17). What a wonderful encouragement! God does not forget the humble. He hears their cries and knows their needs.
Consider the example Jesus has given us. His birth and upbringing were humble, His occupation was ordinary, and He possessed little of the wealth or social standing that the world so often admires. He associated with those whom others rejected, devoted His life to serving, and ultimately submitted Himself to death upon the cross.
Surely, if the Son of God demonstrated such humility, we should recognize the importance of cultivating that same spirit in our own lives.
For those who have not yet obeyed the gospel, humility begins with a willingness to submit to the Lord and His instructions for salvation. Jesus declared, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
However, baptism for the remission of sins is only the beginning of our journey as children of God. The Lord expects us to continue growing in faith, obedience, and humble service throughout our lives.
Genuine humility is not about convincing ourselves that we are worthless, nor is it about trying to prove how important we are. It is about recognizing God’s greatness, understanding our dependence on Him, and faithfully using our lives in His service.
May we all strive to become more like Christ, letting His humility shape our attitudes, our relationships, and how we live each day!!!
