Humility, expressed by the Hebrew word ʿānāw, refers to a lowly, dependent spirit that trusts in God rather than self. Moses is called very humble (Num 12:3), not because he was weak, but because he submitted fully to God’s authority. The Lord treasures this virtue, saying, “But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isa 66:2). Humility opens the heart to God’s instruction, grace, and favor—it is the soil in which spiritual growth takes root.
Tag: humility
Does God Promise Promotion and Prosperity?
Divine promotion is not earned through ambition, scheming, or strategic networking, but through humble dependence on the Lord and a consistent walk of faith. God honors those who honor Him—not by the standards of the world, but by the metrics of faithfulness, humility, and spiritual maturity (1 Sam 2:30; Prov 3:5-6). As believers, we are called to be diligent and responsible in whatever roles we are given, but we must resist the temptation to take matters into our own hands in pursuit of advancement. Our job is to remain faithful; God’s job is to promote us when we are ready and when it serves His greater purpose.
Grace Operates in the Low Places
The Bible reveals that “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Pet 5:5b). In this passage, Peter is writing to believers, but the principle is true for everyone, saved or unsaved. Throughout Scripture, God is consistently presented as displaying grace (Ex 34:6; Psa 103:8; John 1:14). While God’s common grace shines on the just and unjust alike (Matt 5:45; Acts 14:16-17), He gives special grace to the humble (Jam 4:6).
Trusting God’s Provision: Resting in His Promises
As Christians, we can depend on the Lord to provide for our daily needs. Abraham knew this to be true and said of Yahweh, “The LORD Will Provide” (Gen 22:14). And Paul wrote, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2 Cor 9:8), and “God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19).
Beyond Self-Interest: Embracing Disadvantage for the Blessing of Others
The more I understand biblical Christianity, the more I think our advance to maturity involves being willingly disadvantaged that others might receive an advantage. To be voluntarily disadvantaged means I am deprived of something so that others might gain an asset, an edge, a benefit, or an opportunity they might not have otherwise. This is charitable on my part, in which I give for the benefit of others. This is how Jesus lived, as He said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
The Power of Encouragement: Lessons From the Life of Barnabas
Barnabas was noted as being an encourager (Acts 4:36; 11:23), who sacrificed his own resources to be a blessing to others (Acts 4:37). He was called “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24), and one—along with Paul—who “risked” his life “for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26). Barnabas was not without his flaws; however, he possessed the qualities one would like to see in a Christian leader, as he sought to build the Christian community by means grace, love, and solid biblical instruction. Churches and Christians need people like Barnabas, who will stand with them, give them wise counsel, and encourage them in their walk with the Lord.
Being the Good Boss
On a day to day basis, the good leader is one who will listen to you, stand up for you, trust you and not micromanage every aspect of your work. She communicates clearly, constantly, and in a collaborative manner. He seeks your advice, listens to your concerns, and consults you on the best solutions for success. She sets high expectations and encourage you to be the best you can be, operating according to agency standards, and striving for new heights of excellence. He also cares about your life outside of work and wants you to have good physical, social, and mental health. Lastly, the good boss can be tough when needed. She lives in reality and knows there are some who will not respond to her leadership, and, may be required to use her authority to reprimand and/or terminate staff; however, this is always a last recourse after all other positive strategies have failed. Overall, I see the good boss as one who lives sacrificially for the benefit of others, always desiring their success as well as the success of the agency.
Twelve Ways to Deal with a Bad Boss
A good boss has integrity, studies God’s Word, listens to wise counsel, and respects his employees. A bad boss seeks self-interest, oppresses, and lacks self-awareness. Christian employees can cope using faith, excellence, and wisdom.
The Virtue of Humility
Humility is a lowliness of mind, an inward quietness before the Lord that reflects a poverty of spirit. The humble know they need God and seek Him for wisdom, guidance and strength. Humility is not a natural quality, nor does it come easily, but it is what the Lord requires of His people (Mic. 6:8; Eph. 4:1-2; Phi. 2:3-4). The humble live with a constant sense of their weaknesses and inabilities to cope with life apart from God, and are keenly aware of their sinful nature and propensity to turn away from the Lord and befriend the world.
Suffering and Depression
Suffering touches us all. It moves and shapes us in ways we never imagine. It breaks us down and builds us up, but it never leaves us where it finds us. In Scripture we learn that God’s power is magnified in our weaknesses and that suffering reveals our true state as weak creatures who need the Lord in our lives for strength and guidance (2 Cor. 12:7-10).