Becoming More Like Jesus: HumilitySample

Avoiding the Trap of False Humility

Yesterday, we observed how humility is not only necessary to our spiritual formation into the image of Christ, but in many ways, it is the glue that holds together all of the other virtues.

Today, before we dive too much further into what humility is, we need to consider what it isn't.

In his letter to the church at Colossae, the Apostle Paul encourages his readers (and you and I by extension) to "clothe [themselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." (See Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬) And Peter provides a similar message, "And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another..." (See 1 Peter 5:5)

However, in our attempt to “clothe ourselves with humility,” we can sometimes fall into the trap of false humility - which is really just pride in disguise.

It can be tempting for you and me to subtly weave into everyday conversation our most recent successes and accolades. But in an attempt to lessen our boasting, we often add in a few self-deprecating comments about ourselves.

And that brings us to our second observation about humility.

Observation #2: Thinking less of yourself is not humility. Constantly weaving self-deprecating comments about ourselves into every conversation so that others will think we are free from the vice of pride is not humility.

To this point, John Ortberg said it best when he wrote, "Humility is not about convincing ourselves - or others - that we are unattractive or incompetent. It is not about beating ourselves up or trying to make ourselves nothing… Humility has to do with submitted willingness. It involves a healthy self-forgetfulness."

A healthy self-forgetfulness... perhaps that is something we should sit with for a while.

Those who walk humbly are free from the trap of self-promotion, which has become our cultural norm. Why? Because they are living for an audience of One - Jesus Christ Himself. They are convinced of their status as a child of God, having been justified by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And they know they are highly valued in the eyes of the Father.

As you go, take some time to reflect on your recent conversations. Have you mistakenly fallen into the trap of false humility? Is there pride lurking below the surface that needs to be dealt with in order to think of yourself less?