Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3ESV
Have you ever been given a compliment by someone — perhaps following an accomplishment — and you downplayed it in an attempt to be humble? For example, saying, “Thank you, but I’m really not that good.” We do and say things like this more often than we may realize; however, it is an example of false humility. Writer C.S. Lewis says, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”1
So, what is true humility? It is not denying our giftings and combating the truth in what God says about us. However, instead of putting one’s worth in these giftings, humility stems from having something besides yourself as the center. Disciples of Jesus are inhabited by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, a disciple of Jesus doesn’t require validation and praise from man. A humble person is truly free.
Author Adele Calhoun says practicing true humility may provide the following God-given fruit:2
- Firm identity
- Liberation from outside approval
- Ability to love your neighbor as yourself
- An authentic life of gratitude