Humility: Following Jesus in a Posture of Service
What does it mean to embody humility in a world that prizes self-assertion and personal success? Can we have humility and success at the same time as we serve one another?
As we continue our journey through the book of Mark, we are reminded that Jesus lived a life of service. He gave His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). But this example of humility isn’t just for admiration—it’s central to who we are called to be as we follow Jesus together.
In 1 Peter 5:5-6, the Apostle Peter urges us, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” These words are a powerful reminder that humility isn’t optional in our walk with Christ. It is a key rhythm that should define our relationships with God and one another.
Humility as Jesus Modeled It
Humility, as modeled by Jesus, is not about devaluing ourselves or thinking less of who we are. Rather, it’s about recognizing that everything we are and have comes from God. Jesus, the very Son of God, had every reason to demand honor and glory. He chose the path of service and submission to the Father’s will.
We see this in how He lived: washing the feet of His disciples, breaking bread with those that society rejected, and ultimately laying down His life. In 1 Peter 5:2-3, Peter calls leaders to “shepherd the flock…not domineering… but being examples to the flock.” Jesus embodied this perfectly—leading with grace, serving instead of demanding, and always seeking the good of others.
The foundation of His humility was trust in God’s will. Jesus didn’t need to prove His worth because He was secure in the Father’s love. This is key for us, too. Humility begins with recognizing that our worth is not found in accomplishments, recognition, or status, but in our identity as beloved children of God.
Humility in Action
But what does this humility look like in our daily lives? Peter’s encouragement in 1 Peter 5:5 to “clothe yourselves with humility” speaks to an intentional, daily choice. It’s not a one-time decision, but a rhythm we cultivate through our actions and attitudes.
In our relationships: Humility means putting others before ourselves, listening more than speaking, and being willing to serve without expecting anything in return. It’s about seeking to lift others up instead of seeking recognition for ourselves.
In our spiritual growth: Humility requires us to be teachable, open to correction, and willing to learn from others. This can be difficult, especially when pride tells us we already know what’s best. When we allow ourselves to be shaped and refined by God and others, we grow deeper in our walk with Christ.
In our church community: Humility fosters unity. When we clothe ourselves in humility, we create an environment where everyone is valued, and no one is too important to serve. In 1 Peter 5:5, we are encouraged to show humility “toward one another.” This means seeing the image of God in each person, honoring their gifts, and working together for the good of the body of Christ.
Humility as a Rhythm
Humility doesn’t come naturally in a world that prizes self-promotion and individual achievement. As followers of Jesus, we are called to a different way. We are invited to live in a rhythm of humility that reflects the heart of Christ.
Peter’s words remind us that humility is tied to trust. 1 Peter 5:6 tells us to “humble yourselves…under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time He may exalt you.” Humility is about surrendering control and trusting that God’s timing and plan are better than our own.
Encouragement for the Journey
Humility is not an easy path. It requires us to confront our pride and let go of our desire for control. But the promise of 1 Peter 5:10 is that after we have suffered a little while, the God of all grace “will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us. Humility leads to restoration and strength in the hands of a loving God.
As we follow Jesus together, let’s take Peter’s encouragement to heart and clothe ourselves in humility. Let’s pray for the grace to serve one another with joy, to seek God’s will above our own, and to grow in Christlike love and compassion. When humility becomes a rhythm in our lives, we will reflect Jesus more fully.
Written by: Wes Hunter
Elder
Humility
It has been a joy over the last decade to serve so closely with others through the ministry of biblical counseling. I have personally been humbled as a counselor and watched others model humility. It is a privilege to be used by the Lord to share some of the deepest and darkest moments in the lives of others. God has used these moments to help me grow in having a heart of humility. I realized that when trying to help others, I often wanted to know all the answers right away and struggled with being patient. In the seasons that my own personal life felt overwhelming, I struggled to sacrifice my time and energy to serve another. In my pride, I battled self-pity, feeling unqualified, unworthy, and underappreciated. I caught myself many times trying to do things in my own effort, taking my eyes off the Lord. Thankfully, in my weariness, Jesus invited me to come to Him to find rest (Matt 11:28-30). My heart needed to draw near to Jesus and gain a deeper dependence on the Lord. This need for personal growth in humility was true then, and it is still true today.
In order for us to discuss humility, we must first take a look at what scripture says about pride. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6.
Pride is when our heart becomes consumed with self. It can be exhibited in selfish ambitions, arrogance, and boasting in our accomplishments. Ultimately, it is a worship of self. It is dangerous because it is rooted in giving glory to ourselves when the glory belongs to God alone. When we seek self-exaltation instead of rightly worshiping Him, our fellowship with the Lord is hindered (Psalm 10:4). Pride will blind us into thinking we have no need for God, and our thoughts and our actions become all about "my happiness,” “my self-worth,” “my life,” “my feelings,” for “my benefit,” and in "my control.”
What Scripture reveals about pride:
Pride is an “abomination to the LORD” (Prov 16:5).
Pride makes one hopeless (Prov 26:12).
Pride comes before disgrace (Prov 11:2).
Pride goes before destruction (Prov 16:18-19; 18:12).
Pride causes calamity (Prov 28:14).
Pride is wicked and sinful (Prov 21:4).
A major consequence of pride is a hardened heart. This creates self-delusion that makes us overly confident in our own ability, which in turn makes us unteachable and hinders our maturity. A hardened heart also shifts blame and takes no ownership in wrong-doing, which will never allow us to walk in true repentance (Eph 4:17-19). An impenitent heart is rebellion, and God’s righteous judgment will be revealed against such sin (Rom 2:5). Pride says: “I’m strong enough,” “recognize me,” “serve me,” “my way,” “love me,” “approve of me,” “elevate me,” “my accomplishments,” “my self-worth,” “my desires,” “my life.”
Feeling convicted yet? I know I am! Let us now take a look at what scripture says about humility. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6.
Humble is when our heart dies to self. We recognize our inability to save anyone and acknowledge our own need for salvation. Our worthlessness has been exchanged for His infinite worth. It is right worship of God alone. Jesus is our ultimate model for humility, as One with great power but humbled Himself as a servant even to death on the cross (Phil 2:8). Through Christ Jesus we receive grace, a gift of God not by our own doing but through faith (Eph 2:4-10). Humility exposes our weaknesses, in which God’s grace is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9).
What Scripture reveals about humility:
The humble will be exalted by the Lord (1 Pet 5:6, James 4:10).
Humility comes before honor (Prov 15:33).
Humility is rewarded by God with riches, honor, and life (Prov 22:4).
The LORD lifts up the humble (Ps 147:6).
The LORD leads the humble in what is right and teaches them His way (Ps 25:9).
Wisdom comes with humility (Prov 11:2).
An inevitable outcome of humility is a loving heart. This creates a selfless attribute that counts others more significant than ourselves so that we put the interests of others before our own (Phil 2:3-4). It produces fruit that acknowledges our sin before the Lord and receives God’s grace with a heart of gratitude. Humility allows us to likewise offer grace and forgiveness to others because we recognize what God has done for us (Col 3:12-17). Humility says: “Christ is strong enough,” “recognize Christ,” “serve the Lord,” “God’s way,” “love Christ,” “approve of Christ,” “elevate Christ,” “what Christ accomplished,” “worth in Christ,” “desires from Christ,” “life because of Christ.”
I know firsthand that pride is a difficult sin to address. It is hard to examine our own heart and acknowledge our own temptations to sinful pride. Even more so, to invite a trusted friend to have an open, grace-filled discussion to identify areas they see pride manifesting in our life. But, as you’ve now read above the danger of pride, I urge you to join me in praying desperately and regularly for humility and heart renewal from our faithful, forgiving, and loving God.
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” Matthew 23:12.
Written by: Shauna Van Dyke
Care & Leadership Development Minister