The Deadly Series: Pride VS Humility
Welcome back to another blog series post of our 7 weeks Deadly Series. In this series, we will be discussing 7 deadly sins that God finds detestable to His people, how we should reframe from possessing these toxic traits, and also displays the heavenly opposing traits to combat the 7 deadly ones.
This series will be informative, thought-provoking, and filled with various bible scriptures to help support each discussion-based topic. Within this series, viewers/ readers will have an opportunity to purchase original content worksheets to further enrich their knowledge and gain even more Golden Nuggets!
So how’s everyone feeling about Tuesday's blog series post about the spirit of pride. If you missed it, no worries, click the link and catch up at your earliest convenience.
Prayer: Heavenly Father we come to you now to thank you for who you are and what you have done for our lives. We thank you for your divine favor with grace and mercy that you continuously give up because you love us so. I’m thankful that you brought all of us together for this occasion, God bless the ones who read your word and follow your will. Bless the ones who apply it to their lives to become closer to you. Blessed are the ones who seek your face in good times and bad. Lord, we thank you for the coverage that you have over our lives, that we can take refuge in you. Father, we know you are a forgiving God and so forgive us of our sins so that we may have another chance to get it right. As we embark through this series, let us find our flaws so that we can change them around for the good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Humble Spirit
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2
What does it mean to be humble? Why should we be humble? Why is it so hard to be humble? These are the same questions I ask myself too, and the short answer is God requires us to be.
Humility: The characteristic of being humble. Having a modest presence of one’s own importance. Not proud or arrogant, or boastful, these are opposing traits of humbleness.
Do you consider yourself humble?
In what areas of your life are you struggling the most with humility?
What Does It Mean to Be Humble?
To be humble means you don’t have to prove anything to anybody. It's a quiet confidence that one has. Being humble is knowing yourself well enough that you don’t need others to validate you. You are content and confident in yourself, your talents, and your skills. You know when you show up you add value and importance to the room without confirming it or showing it off to others. It’s an inner peace of confidence that’s hidden. With that inner confidence, it’s not perceived as arrogance, boasting, or showboating. It’s just a hidden inner confidence that only you and God know about.
What Does God Say About Being Humble?
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:29-30
In the bible, God mentions several times the need for us to be humble. When we humble ourselves before God we are laying aside our pride and accepting that he is the only one that should be served. God tells us that we should not go about boasting and bragging to others about what we do, what we have, or what we are going to do. God ignores the proud and bestows grace upon those that are humble. God wants us to have the same mindset that Jesus Christ had, as Jesus was the ultimate example of humility because he did not place value in himself or his possessions. God wants for us to fellowship with those who have a humble spirit and a strong desire to do his will.
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
is riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 22:4
Humbleness leads to Godly fear. Humbleness is not thinking less of yourself but simply thinking of yourself less in comparison to someone else. Taking the I, mine, and me away and using you, them, and us. One thing that God loves is relationships, He loves people, He loves love. When we get that and remind ourselves of that then we have unlocked humility.
Why Should We Be Humble?
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ!
Galatians 1:10
Humility is important for quite a few reasons; one humility equates to submission, two humility does not mean that we are passive, three humility means we use our spiritual gifts and talents, and finally humility is the catalyst for progress. So many people think that being humble and submitting means that you are becoming a slave to someone or something when that couldn’t be farther from the truth. To submit to one another means that we are able to create unity and peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
In fact, when we lack the ability to submit to others we are telling God that we are above correction. We are telling God that only our opinions, feelings, thoughts, and emotions matter. Submission and humility gets us out of that “ME. ME, ME” mentality. It is important that we all understand that submitting to each other does not mean that we should be a slave to anyone, in fact nowhere in the bible does it say that we should worship people or grovel at the feet of man. We are to seek God and seek to please him with our lives not live up to the expectations of man.
Many people believe and think that being humble means that they have to be passive people. Let me be the first to tell you, God does not want passive followers, he wants followers that will stand up, be zealous, and bold, while always remaining humble. As followers of Christ, we cannot allow sin to overrun our lives, minds, or hearts. We must do all that we can to keep our thoughts pure while having a strong desire to do God’s will. We must abandon our own honor, reputation, expectations, and so on and obey the Lord with reverence and respect. God adores and gives his grace to those who can humble themselves before him so that he can work through them.
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
2 Corinthians 3:5
Each one of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God, If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength that God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen!
1 Peter 4:10-11
Being humble allows us to become and use our spiritual gifts more effectively and efficiently. When we are humble we are demonstrating to God that we can be taught and that we have much to learn. Our humbleness allows God to move and work through us so that he can shape and mold us into the person that he would have us to be and to use the gifts that he had given us in the way that he sees fit. It is imperative that we not boast or brag about our own accomplishments to others but instead recognize the sufficiency that we have in God in all things. God has bestowed upon each and every one of us some truly amazing spiritual gifts and talents so that he can do amazing works through us. Using our spiritual gifts and talents humbly means that we are using them under God’s direction while praising and giving glory to him for what is accomplished because without God nothing is possible.
But he gives us more grace. That is why the scripture says: God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Humble yourselves before the lord and he will lift you up!
James 4:6-8, 10
Being humble and having humility is the catalyst for positive progress. We have to remember that God is just and fair. Just like we discussed in Motivational Monday #04: Attributes of God, God is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, he already knows what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen. All we have to do is talk to him about what his plans are for us. God wants us to be more like his son Jesus. Jesus was the perfect example of humble, he was a servant of God, he didn’t place worth in his own self-importance; instead, he was obedient to God and remained humble. If we all followed and mimicked the example of humility that Jesus led, we would be able to make unbelievable progress in our spiritual lives as disciples of Christ. We must remember that God examines, analyses, and pays very close special attention to our hearts, he watches for those who are exhibiting the fruits of the spirit and are living according to him.
People In The Bible That Were Humble
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, there were a lot of examples of people that had prideful tendencies but today we are going to cover some people in the bible that showed a lot of humbleness.
Jesus
When someone asks who is one person in the bible that shows a character of humbleness? your first thought should be Jesus Christ. Jesus is the symbol of peace all by himself!
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful: Counselor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6-7
Jesus is the true representation of humbleness because of what he did on the cross for all humanity. His humility is shown through His actions dealing with difficult people, to His attention for others who were sick, mentally ill, and/or suffering with affliction.
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, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 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. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.
John 13:3-7
If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30
Facts about Jesus:
Jesus has a lot of names that he is called;
Light of the World [John 8:12]
The Good Shepherd [John 10:11, 14-15]
Prince of Peace [Isaiah 9:6]
Son of God [John 10:36]
Son of Man [Matthew 20:28]
The Mediator [1 Timothy 2:5]
The Way, The Truth, and The Light [John 14:6]
Jesus’ parents, Joseph and Mary did not choose Jesus’ name. An angel of the Lord named Gabriel told them to name Jesus that name. [Luke 1: 31]
Jesus and John the Baptist were 2nd cousins [Luke 1:36]
God and Jesus are one [John 10:30]
Mordecai
In the book of Esther, Mordecai displayed an outstanding amount of humbleness, so much so that he was in due time rewarded for his efforts. [Esther 2: 19-23] Is where we find Mordecai’s first acts of humility. He was responsible for busting two eunuchs that were conspiring to kill King Xerxes. Once the men were investigated and found guilty they both were killed by gallows. His readiness to protect the throne was documented in the book of chronicles.
Mordecai was not quick to get praise from the king or anyone else. He did his job and went on with his work. Not once did he bring it up. It was much later that the king found out that he saved his life. [Esther 6:6-11]
Mordecai, not needing the attention is what led him to become victorious at the end of this story. His acts spoke for themselves, and he needed not to boast about them. God blessed him abundantly in the end.
Do you find yourself being like Mordecai?
Do you do things because you want to be praised for them or do you do it because it simply needs to be done?
Queen Esther
I had to mention Queen Esther too. She played a major role in this story. Her willingness to help her people showed her true character. With the guidance and obedience from Mordecai, she was able to save her beloved people from the wicked hands of Haman. Her bravery when appearing to the King would have cost her everything, but she did it anyhow. She wasn’t thinking of herself, but of the love and faith in saving her people. [Esther 5: 1-2]
Esther showed her humility by putting herself last to save others. [Esther 7:5-6]
The Effects of Humility
There are amazing benefits that humility has on one’s life. There are great benefits when being humble.
Humbleness soothes the souls of many! [Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healthy to the body. Proverbs 16:24]
Humble workers are great in leadership! Workers that are humble pay close to detail in their workers, and are more effective and efficient.
Humbleness brings freedom! When you are truly humble, you don't seek approval from others. You stay in your own lane and have a greater outlook on life. When you don’t depend on others to give you satisfaction or approval you become free in yourself and in your life.
Humility saves you from affliction! [You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. Psalm 18:27] God promises us to save us from being afflicted if we remain humble and be in alignment with His plan for us.
God guides and teaches through humbleness! When we are truly humble and want nothing more to help others, I think that’s when God can step in and teach us things through helping others. Through guidance and obedience, God speaks. [He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way Psalm 25:9]
God gives us Grace! We receive grace when we give up the spirit of pride and abide in Christ. When we take in selfishness, then we are only honoring ourselves instead of God.[God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. James 4:6]
God gives us Wisdom! When we are in the fullness of submission under God, then we fall into wisdom. Surrendering all to God brings forth wisdom and understanding. [When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2]
God exalts us! God’s Word says he will lift us up if we humble ourselves. The proud will surely be left behind. Check your humility. [Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6]
Shades of Humility
Please take some time now and read some of the shades of humility below and see if these apply to you or not. If not, then that’s okay. We are all growing Christ and are learning each and every day! Jot down some of these statements and go to God in prayer, ask him to help you with encompassing some of them.
When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
Psalm 69:32
I am a thankful person!
God is amazing to me, I am in awe of his continuous grace, goodness, and mercy towards me!
I trust that God is sovereign and perfect in all his ways!
Fellowshipping, worshiping, celebrating, and rejoicing with others brings me great joy.
I recognize and acknowledge I do not know everything!
I forgive others quickly because God has forgiven me!
I am encouraging to others, offering them gentle correction and motivation when needed!
I can set aside my personal preferences for the sake of unity and for the glory of God!
I am an advocate for those who cannot stand up for themselves!
I am not afraid to ask for help!
I am receptive to constructive criticism and will seek it because I know that it is the pathway to improvement!
I am a responsible person that owns up to my actions without feeling the need to blame others!
Characteristics of Humility
Modest:
Quiet and humble in appearance. They don’t do things in extreme ways or to be seen. They can be reserved and shy. They do not brag or boast about their accomplishments. They keep a low profile. [Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12]
Helpful:
People who are humble love to help others. They don’t think about themselves, they just love the gratification of helping others and love to see others thrive and shine. [And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10]
Submissive:
People who are submissive, submit to the authority of someone else. We as Christians should be submitting to God. he is the supreme authority over our lives. When we submit we can see God moving in and on our behalf. [Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7]
Advocate
These are people that are not afraid to stand up for others that cannot stand up for themselves. They will speak up against those who are meant to do harm and will seek to help get the support their fellow peers need. [Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9]
Teachable
This is a person that loves to learn and understands that they do not know everything. They understand that only God knows all. [Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9]
Forgiving
This is someone who is able to forgive those who have hurt, betrayed, harmed, lied to, and cheated on them. A forgiving person loves each person regardless and treats them with unconditional positive regard. [Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32]
Patient
This is a humble person that does not mind waiting for God’s perfect timing. They understand that everything happens for a reason and are willing to let God lead the way even if it takes time to happen. [I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1]
Pride Kills; Humility Heals
Golden Nuggets I Leave You!
Today we conclude our first week of the Deadly Series: Pride VS Humility. I hope you enjoyed this week because it was a blessing writing it for you. Like I mentioned in my last post, I hope you enjoyed yourself and I hope this week’s topics penetrated your mind, heart, and soul. I pray that it moved you in a way that changed your perspective and has shifted you into purpose. The purpose is what God has called you to do.
Be sure to check your pride but also your humbleness when doing anything. Lastly, I’ll leave you with this, before you do anything in this world, check your heart first. Jesus is the symbol of everlasting love and he came from an everlasting God who created you. Be kind, and show humility. Pridefulness kills, but humbleness heals.
My ultimate prayer is that you use the information provided and the tools, like the worksheets to further expand your knowledge. In this, I pray Amen.
Questions To Consider: Ask yourself these questions. Print them out or jot them down and really give them some thought. Feel free to share if desired, no pressure.
Am I able to decrease the words I, me, or mine, in a conversation with people or better yet with God?
Am I always asking God for something, but not seeing if God wants something from me in return?
Do I have a “me me me mentality? Do I always have to be the center of attention in conversations or activities?
Do you have a humble walk with Christ?
Read 1 Peter 5:5-7. Am I clothing myself with humility? Do I struggle with doing so?
Be to pick up a copy of the Deadly Series Worksheet: Pride vs Humble.
Hey Golden Fam,
This post really got me to thinking and self-reflecting. I like the question you asked about "Am I always asking God for something, but not seeing if God wants something from me in return?"
I think so often we get caught up in just asking God for what we want and neglecting to check in with him. We are so quick to forget that God has feelings, wants, desires, and plans for us as well. I am so glad that you asked this question. Out of all the times that I have prayed I do not think that I have ever considered that God might have thing ls he wants from me.
I think that you hit…