The Power of Humility: Understanding it as a Universal Law

There exist various universal laws governing the physical world, such as the law of gravity. Similarly, in the realm of spirituality, there are distinct principles known as spiritual laws, with humility being one of them. Today, we'll dive deeper into the law of humility, debunk misconceptions, and unravel its potential for fostering immense success in life.

Matthew 23:12 (NIV): "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Humility is a virtue characterized by a modest and unassuming attitude, a lack of arrogance or pride. A humble person demonstrates a willingness to acknowledge their own limitations, imperfections, and the contributions of others. It involves a genuine self-awareness that fosters openness to learning, growth, and understanding.

Humility doesn't diminish one's worth but rather reflects a balanced perspective on oneself and a respectful regard for others. It is often associated with a sense of gratitude, service, and a recognition of a higher power or greater purpose beyond oneself.

Debunking the notion that humility is a negative trait, both biblically and in the worldly context, is essential to understanding its true significance. Biblically, humility is consistently praised as a virtue that aligns with divine principles. In various scriptures, individuals who exhibit humility are often exalted and favored by God.

A notable biblical figure who humbled himself is Moses. In the Bible, specifically in the book of Numbers (12:3, NIV), it is mentioned:

"Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth."

Despite being chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving divine guidance, Moses did not boast or exalt himself. Instead, he consistently acknowledged his reliance on God's wisdom and guidance, displaying a profound humility in his leadership.

The most profound biblical example of humility is Jesus himself. Jesus is known for his humility. Despite being the central figure of Christianity and being the very Son of God, Jesus demonstrated profound humility throughout his earthly ministry. In the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew (11:29, NIV), Jesus says,

"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."

Jesus not only preached about humility but exemplified it in his actions. He washed the feet of his disciples, a task usually reserved for servants, illustrating the value of humble service. His ultimate act of humility was sacrificing himself on the cross for the salvation of humanity.

In the worldly context, humility is not a sign of weakness or inferiority but, rather, a strength that fosters harmonious relationships and personal growth. Contrary to misconceptions, humility doesn't imply self-deprecation or lack of confidence; instead, it signifies a balanced self-awareness and a genuine regard for others.

Embracing humility doesn't diminish one's worth but amplifies it by fostering cooperation, empathy, and resilience in the face of challenges. It is a key ingredient for successful leadership, collaboration, and overall well-being, debunking any misconception that humility is a hindrance to worldly success.

In Luke 18:14, Jesus draws attention to the stark contrast between a tax collector and a Pharisee in a parable that illuminates the essence of humility and righteousness in prayer. The narrative unfolds with the Pharisee proudly recounting his virtuous deeds before God, while the tax collector, standing at a distance, humbly acknowledges his sins and implores God's mercy. Jesus uses this powerful illustration to emphasize that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified before God.

Luke 18:14 (NIV): "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

An example of God lifting someone up in response to their humility can be found in the biblical account of Joseph. In the Book of Genesis, Joseph endured numerous hardships, including being sold into slavery by his own brothers and later unjustly imprisoned in Egypt. Despite these challenges, Joseph remained faithful and humble before God. While in prison, he interpreted dreams for fellow prisoners, and eventually, his ability to interpret dreams reached Pharaoh.

In Genesis 41, Pharaoh had troubling dreams, and Joseph was summoned to interpret them. Joseph humbly attributed the interpretation to God and offered wise counsel to Pharaoh. Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and discernment, Pharaoh elevated him from the prison to a position of great authority, making him the second-in-command over all of Egypt. This dramatic turn of events showcases how, in response to Joseph's humility and faithfulness, God lifted him up to a position of prominence and influence.

James 4:10 (NIV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV): "In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

According the Word of God, embracing humility is like putting on your pants every day—sometimes you may not feel like it, but it's a consistent choice. Just as changing clothes becomes a daily habit, clothing ourselves with humility becomes a deliberate, routine action that shapes our character. This act of humility, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:5-6, not only reflects a constant intentional choice but also brings favor from God. Just as dressing appropriately can garner positive attention, choosing humility in our interactions attracts divine favor. It's a reminder that humility is not just a personal virtue; it opens the door to God's blessings and favor in our lives.

Now, let's explore humility as both a universal and spiritual law:

The Universal/Spiritual Law of Humility operates much like the law of gravity, where what goes up must come down. In a similar vein, the spiritual law of humility dictates that individuals who exalt themselves will ultimately be humbled, while those who humble themselves will experience exaltation. Just as one wouldn't step off a balcony from the 5th floor due to the undeniable force of gravity, even without an in-depth understanding of its scientific intricacies, the law of gravity is respected. Similarly, the law of humility demands acknowledgment and reverence—it operates universally and spiritually, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between humility and exaltation.

Much like the repercussions of challenging the law of gravity, which results in a fall, overlooking the importance of humility can lead to a spiritual descent, manifesting as shame and regret. The transformation of Lucifer into Satan stands as a vivid illustration. His downfall was a consequence of violating the spiritual law grounded in pride, specifically vanity, beauty, and arrogance. Just as the law of gravity governs physical motion, the law of humility intricately oversees spiritual dynamics, influencing both growth and elevation, as well as the potential for destruction.

Listed below are a few perspectives on prideful qualities and their humble counterparts. This offers a clearer understanding of how these attitudes manifest in different situations, providing valuable insights into the contrast between pride and humility as outlined in Scripture:

Pride Qualities According to Scripture

1. Vanity: Excessive self-admiration and preoccupation with external appearance.

2. Arrogance: Excessive pride in one's abilities or achievements.

3. Ego: Inflated sense of self-importance and superiority over others.

4. Hubris: Excessive self-confidence leading to overestimation of one's abilities.

Humility According to Scripture

1. Humility: Acknowledging one's worth without excessive pride or self-centeredness.

2. Humility: Demonstrating a modest and unassuming attitude, recognizing the contributions of others.

3. Humility: Maintaining a balanced self-awareness and understanding one's limitations.

4. Humility: Recognizing that success is often a result of various factors, including external circumstances and the support of others.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Guide us to align with Your desires. Lovingly nudge us when pride takes hold and empower us to embody the true essence of humility. Grant us a profound understanding of humility in action, so that our lives may reflect the living Word of God. May our actions bring glory to Your name, allowing others to witness the transformative power of Your presence in our lives. Amen.

Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2024. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source. Artwork included.