Displaying godly living, including a humble soul, glorifies the Lord. It reinforces the process of authentic sanctification, restrains the darkness of the flesh, and serves as a heavenly attribute in evangelistic efforts. Sadly, we all suffer from the sin of selfishness, but thanks to Jesus Christ, we can suppress such ungodliness and exalt He who redeems us in our daily living and affairs.

Bearing the fruit of Christ is a foundational tenet of the believer’s life. Referencing the Sermon on the Mount, how can Christians be the salt and light of the world if they do not possess qualities of godly living, signifying a genuine regeneration of the soul? The answer is simple: The regenerated soul in Christ must remain faithful to the Lord in both word and spirit. One of the traits Christians are constantly taught to embody is the characteristic of humility.

The Proverbs declare:

“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life” (Proverbs 22:3-4).

The New Testament teaches:

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Colossians 3:12).

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:5-6).

Millard J. Erickson defines humility as “the quality of not regarding oneself more highly than one should, nor being excessively concerned about one’s welfare or reputation.”[i]

Charles Hodge wrote, “This is the opposite of self-righteousness, of self-complacency, and self-confidence.”[ii] Undoubtedly, the prime example of humility is the Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered for the sake of His sheep. Likewise, church leaders know very well they are called to live peaceful lives centered on humility.

While the concept is relatively simple, the ability to place oneself aside is contrary to the flesh and human nature of mankind. Every soul is guilty of selfish behavior and pursuing self-seeking ambitions. The Scriptures share the story of Peter denying the Lord not once, but three times. Judas, too, acting in his own self-interest, betrayed Jesus. Jonah, in greedy disobedience, ignored God in initially heading to Nineveh.

Mankind clearly disobeys God, each following their own passions and desires (Romans 3:10-11). Though the blemish of the fall and sin lies deep inside each soul, there is hope in Jesus Christ. Thankfully, the Spirit guides those who are in Christ (Galatians 5:22-23). However, the stain of selfishness and pride can frequent our daily lives and if uncontrolled, such self-admiration leads to a life lived contrary to the greatest commandment of the Scriptures:

“Jesus said unto him, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’ ” (Matthew 22:37-39).

Nineteenth-century pastor George Winfred Hervey taught, “He who is proudly content with his present character forgets the dignity of his nature, and of his destiny.”[iii]

Bearing the fruit of humility produces a mannerism noticeable to strangers and unbelievers alike. Hervey further explained, “Were this humility more generally cultivated by Christians, what improvement in manners might be anticipated even in what are now esteemed the most refined circles.”[iv]

Admittedly, genuine humility is the complete opposite of every person’s natural being; however, it is perhaps one of the most magnificent traits of a believer’s conversion. While difficult to maintain, it accentuates the love, salvation, and grace of the Lord.

Displaying godly living, including a humble soul, glorifies the Lord. It reinforces the process of authentic sanctification, restrains the darkness of the flesh, and serves as a heavenly attribute in evangelistic efforts. Sadly, we all suffer from the sin of selfishness, but thanks to Jesus Christ, we can suppress such ungodliness and exalt He who redeems us in our daily living and affairs.

Hervey commented, “True humility dwells only in the bosom of those who have repented of their disobedience to God, and of their rejection of his son the Saviour.”[v] He concluded, “You may have gentility; you may have modesty; but humility, and that deportment which springs honestly from it, you cannot claim unless your soul has bowed low with godly sorrow.”[vi]

David Crum holds a Ph.D. in Historical Theology. He serves as an Assistant Professor of History and Dissertation Chair. His research interests include the history of warfare and Christianity. He and his family attend Trinity Presbyterian Church (ARP) in Bedell, New Brunswick. 

[i] Millard J. Erickson, The Concise Dictionary of Christian Theology, (Wheaton: Crossway), 94.

[ii] Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 1988), 501.

[iii] George Winfred Hervey, The Principles of Courtesy: With Hints And Observations On Manners And Habits, (London: Forgotten Books, 2018), 29.

[iv] Ibid., 33.

[v] Ibid., 36.

[vi] Ibid.