Andrew Murray, pastor and missionary to South Africa in the 1800s, once wrote one of the simplest yet most satisfying explanations of humility. Here’s how he put it: “The highest glory of the creature is in being only a vessel, to receive and enjoy and show forth the glory of God.”
Murray’s point was that humility is not merely a trait to be displayed, but a profound state of being that enables a person to recognize their dependence on God. Many confuse humility with outward piety but it is not primarily about external displays. Rather, it springs from a truth that is inwardly settled and informs one’s overall response to life. In this article, I will discuss the key pillars of humility; the essential principles that serve as the foundation for deeper, more personal virtues in the life of a child of God. Although this list is not exhaustive, these truths are fundamental to understanding and developing other virtues.
- SPIRITUAL FULFILMENT
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 NKJV
The counsel of God is, by nature, opposed to sin. Meanwhile, the carnal nature in man gravitates toward sin and independence from God placing both in constant conflict (Galatians 5:17). Because of this rivalry, it is impossible for anyone who has not humbled themselves before God to fully obey His instruction. Spiritual fulfillment flows from obedience to the One who leads. By His nature, the Holy Spirit is gentle and does not force Himself upon anyone. Even salvation requires a willing submission, confession and consent of man (Romans 10:9-10). In our theme scripture, the prophet Micah distills God’s requirements to three things: do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. These are not separate instructions, they are all rooted in a humble walk with the Lord. Child of God, sanctification is an ongoing process of learning and to be taught, one must first acknowledge their lack of knowledge on a matter. Teachability is a defining trait of humility in every believer.
- EMBODYING CHRIST’S TEACHINGS AND NATURE
The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. Psalm 25:9 NKJV
The teachings of Christ were not easy to receive. They upheld the counsel of God given in the Old Testament while exposing the misinterpretations that had long governed the lives of Israel. It required a divine humility to receive His words, one stirred in the hearts of men who heard a humble man speak with unmatched authority and wisdom. Psalm 25:9 shows that humility grants access to divine guidance and instruction. Consider the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, a seasoned man of war who humbled himself to obey God’s unconventional strategy. What looked foolish to the natural eye held weight in the spirit realm. Think also of the twelve disciples; some had wives and families, yet at the invitation of a stranger saying “Follow Me” they left everything. What moved them? An indescribable stirring in their hearts. The greatest mark of maturity in a man is how low he is willing to stoop in order to receive the mercy and glory of God, to the point where his very identity is saturated with grace, both received and extended.
- CULTIVATING A DEEPER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 NKJV
James reveals a pivotal truth that delivers us from the spirit of religion that has hurt many: God’s supply of grace exceeds our failures. Grace empowers us to overcome sin as we yield to Him. And because grace is covenantal, there is no sin so great that it cannot be covered and cleansed. The Greek word for “resists” (antitassetai) means to oppose in battle or to set oneself against. Pride doesn’t just separate a person from God, it positions them against God. Pride is an act of spiritual war against divine authority. John Calvin called pride a form of self-sufficiency that renders grace both needless and offensive. In contrast, the word for “humble” (tapeinois) implies lowliness of spirit, not self-hatred but accurate self-awareness before a Holy God and others.
Three truths flow from this:
- Humility is a prerequisite for walking in grace.
- It cultivates intimacy with God that cannot be accessed any other way.
- It makes room for lasting transformation.
As children of the Most High, we cannot live without humility. It is to the humble that God has promised the inheritance of the earth (Matthew 5:5). May it be said of you that everywhere you set foot, the Lord has gone before you – because you were found humble in all your ways. Hallelujah.
If you have never given your life to Jesus Christ and feel that this is the right time, pray this prayer:“Lord Jesus, I thank You because You died for my sins, and You were raised for my glory. Today, I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I am born again. Amen.”
