How to Look Humble

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. - Romans 12:2-3 HCSB

Humility is not self-hatred or having a “poor me” attitude. Acknowledge what Yahweh has done for you in the past and place your hope in His continued provision. Admit your continuous need of God’s supply and protection. Confess your yetzer hara[1] and beg for Hashem’s help in “inclining your heart” in the right direction. Focus all your efforts toward causing all the peoples of the earth to know that the Lord is God and that there is no other.[2] Serve others. Allow others to serve you. Remember, there is but one master at our table and it’s not you.[3]

Place your hope in God rather than in man. Wait for God’s impeccable timing. Don’t force issues. Make a constant attempt to understand Adonai’s ways. Ask for guidance of the Ruach’ ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit). Do not demand justice for yourself but instead constantly beg for God’s mercy. Depend on and remind God of His promises. Go through your life and acknowledge even youthful sins. Then don’t bring them up again for that would reveal doubt in the Lord’s ability or willingness to forgive. Ask for God’s secret counsel, day to day advice on issues not specifically covered in the Scriptures. Do whatever you must to keep your mind constantly focused on the Lord as you go through your day to day life.[4]

Keep your heart tender to the stirrings of the Spirit. Allow yourself to express these feelings openly. Only then will the Lord truly hear your prayers.[5]

Seek and depend on Hashem’s grace. Actively submit to God. Do your part. Resist the Devil in whatever form he may appear. Push back darkness wherever and whenever you can. Dedicate portions of time to spend alone with your Master. Be passionate about Him. Let there be emotional consequences when you sin. Be discerning, but don’t criticize others. Don’t be negative. Don’t be overly certain of your future. Work hard to set aside for the future but acknowledge the frailty of your life. Never boast except in Who is your Lord. Obey what you know.[6]

Be willing to submit to the teachings of your church’s elders. Once the body has spoken on an issue, if it is not in violation to the Scriptures, cheerfully go along with the decision. To go on whining about it indicates you think you know better than the combined minds of your peers. Once a decision has been made obey it. Don’t think you are above the rules or that somehow things are different for you. Don’t demand of others what you don’t demand of yourself.[7]

Be honest about your gifts and talents but be willing to either set their rewards aside or to submit them to the benefit of others. An honest evaluation of the resources available to a relationship is critical to being able to do any good. Humility helps us to identify our own self worth, to accept who we really are without having to constantly prove ourselves to those with whom we wish to relate. Understanding and acknowledging our personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of the other people with who we want to communicate, is a step toward healthy relationships and healing of troubled situations.[8]

[1] Proclivity for evil
[2] 1 Kings 8:56-60
[3] Luke 22:25-27; Colossians 1:17-19
[4] Psalm 25:1-15
[5] 2 Chronicles 34:27
[6] James 4:6-17
[7] 1 Peter 5:5
[8] Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:5-8