Ten Principles for Fostering Humility
This is going to be the best sermon you’ve ever heard in your life. You’ll never hear a better one with greater biblical insight and the delivery will be studied for ages. This best sermon you will ever hear is on this topic: humility. (Now you know I’m joking.)
What comes to mind when you think about greatness? The world tells us it’s about power, recognition, and success. We celebrate those who rise to the top, who demand respect, and who never back down. But when Jesus came to earth, He redefined greatness in a way that no one expected.
Think about the humility of Christ. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, didn’t come to demand worship or overthrow governments. He came as a baby, born in a dirty stable, laid in a feeding trough. The King of Kings humbled Himself completely. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:5, 8, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus...He humbled himself…” Jesus, who had every right to hold onto His divine privileges, chose instead to empty Himself for us. He didn’t cling to His rights. He laid them down. That’s what humility looks like.
But if we’re honest, humility is hard. Everything in us wants to be noticed or appreciated. We want control. Yet Peter calls us in 1 Peter 5:5 to “clothe yourselves…with humility.” He’s saying humility isn’t optional and doesn’t come naturally. It’s something we must choose to put on every single day.
Today, by God’s grace, we’ll see how to foster humility in our lives.
1. Bow Before God, Not Your Ego (Isaiah 57:15, Micah 6:8, James 4:10)
Humility starts with one simple truth. God is God, and you’re not. That might sound obvious, but think about how often we forget it. We plan and strive and worry, living like everything depends on us. But Isaiah 57 reminds us that God is high and lifted up, yet He chooses to dwell with those who are lowly and contrite in spirit.
Too often, we approach God like He’s there to meet our demands. We start our prayers with our lists of wants, forgetting to simply recognize who He is. But humility begins with worship. It starts when you bow before God, not because you need something, but because He deserves everything.
C.S. Lewis says,
“A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”
Pride obstructs your view of God. All you see is yourself.
When was the last time you prayed without asking for anything, just praising Him for who He is? When was the last time you let yourself be overwhelmed by His greatness? James 4 says to humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up. It’s not about lowering your value. It’s about seeing your place in light of His.
So instead of starting your prayers with “God, I need,” start with “God, You are.” Focus on His holiness, His love, and His power. Recognize that your very breath is a gift from Him. When you bow low, He draws near. It’s as John the Baptist said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). That’s where true humility begins, and that’s where you’ll find the peace and joy you’ve been searching for.
2. Stop Fighting and Start Submitting (Proverbs 22:4, Isaiah 66:2, 2 Chronicles 7:14)
Humility is about surrendering control, and that starts with God. But it also transforms how we interact with others. Pride tells us to fight for our way, whether it’s in our plans, our decisions, or our relationships. Submission means something different. It’s about letting go of the need to control and choosing to trust God while valuing the people around us.
Proverbs 22 reminds us that humility and the fear of the Lord go hand in hand and bring life and honor. But think about what happens when pride creeps in. We fight God’s Word because it’s hard or inconvenient. We resist His will because we think we know better. We often approach God’s Word already thinking we know better than God and we shape the Word to fit our understanding. We need to approach the Word ready and willing to let it shape us, because it’s written by the One who knows all…and that’s not us. Isaiah 66 tells us that God looks to the one who is humble, contrite, and trembling at His Word. That’s the posture He desires. A heart ready to listen and obey.
This humility doesn’t stop with God. It shapes how we treat others. So often, pride makes us defensive, quick to argue, and slow to forgive. But when we submit to God, we learn to let go in our relationships too. Submission means being willing to say, “I don’t have to win this argument” or “Your needs matter as much as mine.” It’s about putting love over pride.
What fights are you clinging to that aren’t worth the cost? Today, choose submission. Say, “God, I trust You more than my plans” and “I care about this person more than being right.” Humility with God and others opens the door to real peace. That’s when relationships start to thrive, and your heart starts to rest.
One of my favorite songs, that seeps deep into my heart when I listen to it, is a song by Jess Ray called Humble Heart. I don’t like vain repetition in songs, but repetition that is purposeful and meaningful is good. Most of her song is spent singing these words over and over: “I want a humble heart, oh how I have so much to learn.” And then the first verse starts with this: “Because pride, it isn’t worth it; It makes me lonely, leaves me stranded When I, I never wanted to be alone.” Some of us need to take that to heart and maybe listen to it on repeat, for our sake and for the sake of those God has placed around us.
3. Take the Towel, Not the Throne (Philippians 2:5-8, John 13:14-15, Matthew 23:12)
Humility isn’t something you think about or talk about. It’s something you live. Jesus didn’t just teach humility. He showed it. He could have demanded a throne, but He chose a towel. In John 13, He knelt down and washed His disciples’ feet. Think about that. The King of the universe stooped to clean the dirt off the feet of dirty disciples.
This was a radical statement. In that culture, washing feet was the job of the lowest servant. But Jesus wanted to show His disciples what true greatness looks like. He didn’t cling to His position or His power. He emptied Himself and became a servant, as Philippians 2 reminds us.
I love how Elisabeth Elliot puts it in perspective for us. She says, “Does God ask us to do what is beneath us? This question will never trouble us again if we consider the Lord of heaven taking a towel and washing feet.”
Humility starts in action. It’s about taking the lowest position even when no one notices or thanks you. Maybe it’s cleaning up after your family without complaining. Maybe it’s showing kindness to someone who can’t give anything back. Whatever it looks like, it’s about putting others above yourself.
But let’s be honest. We don’t like taking the low place. We want recognition. We want our own way. We want people to see how much we’re doing. But Matthew 23 reminds us that those who humble themselves will be exalted. God honors the heart that serves without seeking the spotlight.
So grab the towel. Stop waiting for the throne. Look for ways to serve someone today not because they deserve it but because Jesus served you first. Humility grows when you take the towel and the world sees Jesus when you live that way.
4. Lean on Grace, Not Your Strength (James 4:6, Philippians 2:3)
Humility starts when you admit this: you’re not good enough. That sounds harsh, doesn’t it? But deep down, we all know it’s true. And if you don’t know it’s true, this sermon is just for you. The Bible confirms that for us, too, that we’re not good enough. No matter how hard we try, we’re never going to be good enough or strong enough on our own. Even all our good deeds are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).
We are completely and utterly reliant on God’s grace for every aspect of our lives. That’s why James 4 says God gives grace to the humble. It’s not because we’ve earned it. It’s because we’ve finally realized we can’t.
C.S. Lewis, in The Screwtape Letters, says,
"If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a biggish step too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed."
We don’t measure up. That’s the truth. And then we spend so much time trying to prove ourselves, trying to show that we do measure up. We work harder, do more, and hope it will be enough to make us feel worthy. But Philippians 2 reminds us to do nothing from selfish ambition or pride. Humility is about leaning on God instead of your own strength, because your own strength is never enough anyways.
Think about it. How much of your life is spent striving? Striving to be a better parent, a better leader, a better spouse, or just a better version of yourself. You may have already even picked out your new year’s resolutions to better yourself for next year. None of that is bad, but it’s exhausting when you’re doing it in your own strength. The grace of God says, “Stop. You’re already loved.” God’s grace says, “You don’t have to earn what’s been freely given.”
Humility means admitting, “I can’t do this on my own, but God’s grace is enough.” It’s letting go of the need to prove yourself and resting in the fact that He already sees you as His child. Today, ask yourself, where am I still striving? Where am I relying on my strength instead of His grace? Let go. Lean on Him. That’s where real freedom begins. That’s where humility takes root.
5. Own Your Mess, Don’t Hide It (2 Chronicles 34:27, Psalm 51:17, Luke 18:14)
Humility starts with honesty. It’s admitting you’ve messed up instead of trying to cover it up. Pride whispers, “You’re fine. Nobody needs to know.” Pride keeps you stuck in your sin because it convinces you to hide it. But humility says, “Lay it bare. Bring it to God and let Him heal it.”
In 2 Chronicles 34, we see King Josiah’s example. When he heard God’s Word and realized how far the people had strayed, he didn’t defend himself or make excuses. He tore his clothes and wept before God. And God saw his humility and responded with mercy.
That’s the beauty of humility. Psalm 51 says a broken and contrite heart, God will not despise. He’s not asking you to be perfect. He’s asking you to be honest. But when we hold onto our pride, we block the grace that God wants to pour out.
Think about the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18. The Pharisee stood and listed all the reasons he thought he was righteous. The tax collector stood at a distance, beat his chest, and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus said the humble man went home justified.
What about you? Are you still hiding your mess? Is pride keeping you from confession and repentance? Today, choose humility. Own your mistakes. Bring them to God. Say, “I’ve messed up, but I’m turning back to You.” Humility clears the way for grace, and grace is what sets you free.
6. Shine the Spotlight on Others (Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Peter 5:5)
Humility isn’t just about how you see yourself. It’s about how you treat others. A famous quote from C.S. Lewis on humility is, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” When you think of yourself less, it frees you to think of others more. The people around you matter just as much to God as you do.
Philippians 2 tells us to count others as more significant than ourselves and to look to their interests, not just our own. But you and I both know that doesn’t come naturally. We live in a world that tells us to fight for attention and celebrate our own achievements. But humility shifts the focus. Instead of saying, “Look at me,” it says, “Look at them.”
When was the last time you made someone feel truly seen and valued? Maybe it’s a coworker who’s been overlooked or a family member who feels invisible. Humility says, “I’m going to shine the spotlight on you.” It’s about meeting someone else’s needs without expecting anything in return.
First Peter 5 reminds us to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another. That means putting it on intentionally every single day. It’s choosing to stop making everything about you and start pointing to “them.” Don’t say “I.” Point people to “them.” Don’t say “I.” Point people ultimately to “Him.”
Today, look for one way to lift someone else up. Encourage them. Celebrate them. Meet a need. Humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself. It’s about focusing more on others. And when you do that, you reflect the heart of Jesus to a world that desperately needs it.
7. Seek God’s Approval, Not Man’s Applause (Proverbs 29:23, 25, Matthew 5:3, Colossians 3:12)
Humility means living for an audience of One. It’s about choosing God’s approval over the applause of people. But let’s be honest. We all want to be liked. We want to be appreciated and noticed. But Proverbs 29:25 tells us that the fear of man is a trap. When you live for people’s praise, you’ll always end up chasing something you can never hold onto.
Matthew 5 says blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is reminding us that God’s approval is what truly matters. The world can cheer for you one day and cancel you the next. We see that with Jesus going from shouts of “Hosanna!” to “Crucify Him!” in a matter of days. Man’s applause is fickle, but God’s love for you never changes.
Think about how much energy we waste worrying about what other people think. We tweak our words, adjust our actions, and even compromise our convictions just to fit in. But Colossians 3 says we’re God’s chosen ones. We’re holy and beloved. That’s the only identity that matters.
When you stop living for people’s approval, you’ll be free. Free to love without fear. Free to speak the truth. Free to follow God with everything you have. Today, ask yourself, whose opinion matters most to you? Are you chasing likes, compliments, or recognition? Or are you seeking the approval of the One who made you?
The applause of heaven will always outlast the praise of people. That’s the applause worth chasing.
8. Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Defend (Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 15:33)
Humility shows up in how you listen. Proverbs 11 says with humility comes wisdom, and Proverbs 15 reminds us that humility and fearing the Lord is instruction in wisdom. A humble heart is teachable, but we’re not always great at listening. Most of us are quicker to defend ourselves than to hear someone out.
Think about how much time we spend trying to prove we’re right. We want to have the last word. We want people to see things our way. But humility says, “I don’t always have to win. I don’t always have to speak.” It says, “Your opinion matters as much as mine, and I’m willing to hear you.”
Jesus was a master at this. He didn’t rush to defend Himself, even when He was falsely accused. He listened, He asked questions, and He responded with wisdom. That’s the kind of humility we’re called to. It’s not about staying silent forever, but it’s about pausing long enough to understand before we speak.
How do you respond when someone corrects you? Do you get defensive? Do you try to shift the blame? Or do you take a step back and ask, “Is there truth in this?” A teachable heart doesn’t fear correction. It welcomes it because it knows God can use it to shape us.
Choose to listen more and defend less. When you’re quick to listen and slow to defend, you reflect the wisdom and grace of Jesus. That’s the kind of humility that changes you and others.
9. Be Content in the Shadows (Luke 14:11, Romans 12:3, James 4:10)
Humility means trusting God’s timing, even when it feels slow. Luke 14 tells us that those who humble themselves will be exalted. But, you know, we don’t like waiting for God to lift us up. We want recognition now. We want to feel important now.
We live in a culture that celebrates being seen. Social media, promotions, platforms—they all feed our desire to stand out. But Romans 12 reminds us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. God has placed you where you are for a reason, and humility says, “I’m okay with that. I’ll serve faithfully in the shadows if that’s where He wants me.” And for how long? As long as God wants.
Think about David. Before he was king, he was a shepherd, faithfully tending sheep while no one noticed. God was preparing him in the fields for the palace. After he was anointed as the next king of Israel by Samuel, it wasn’t until 15 or 20 years later that he actually became king. David didn’t fight for a title. He even had the opportunity to kill Saul and take what he deserved. He, instead, trusted God’s timing, and when the time was right, God exalted him.
Where has God placed you right now? Maybe it feels small or unnoticed. Maybe you’re longing for something bigger. But humility says, “God, I’ll trust You with the platform, the promotion, or the position. I’ll be faithful where I am because You see me, even if no one else does.”
When you stop striving for recognition and start trusting His plan, you’ll find peace. God sees what you do in the shadows, and that’s what matters the most.
10. Let God Write Your Story (1 Peter 5:6, Matthew 23:12, Psalm 147:6)
Jesus, though fully God and deserving of all glory, chose humility to fulfill the Father’s plan. Philippians 2 tells us He didn’t cling to His equality with God but emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant. He humbled Himself to the point of death—even death on a cross. Because of His faithfulness, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name. Jesus trusted the Father’s timing and showed us what it means to let God’s plan unfold perfectly, even submitting to the Father’s plan in the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion.
First Peter 5 tells us to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, and He will lift us up at the proper time. That’s not easy, is it? We want things to happen on our schedule. We want recognition or success right now. But Matthew 23 reminds us that those who humble themselves will be exalted. God’s way is always better than ours. God’s better is always better than our better.
D.L. Moody said, “Let God have your life; He can do more with it than you can.”
Think about Joseph. He spent years as a slave and in prison, forgotten by most. Yet he stayed faithful. He didn’t try to manipulate the situation or force his own way. He trusted God, and when the time was right, God lifted him to a position of incredible influence, one that was for God’s glory. His story became a powerful example of God’s faithfulness.
What about you? Are you trying to take control of your story, or are you letting God lead? Humility means trusting His timing and being faithful where He has you now. When you let God write your story, it becomes part of His greater plan. His timing is perfect, and His story for you is always better than anything you could imagine.
As we step into this new year, let’s commit to living lives marked by humility. Humility draws us closer to God and strengthens our relationships with one another. It frees us from the weight of pride and allows us to experience God’s grace. Ask God to reveal where pride has taken hold in your heart and trust Him to shape you into the person He created you to be. Be faithful in the small things and serve others without expecting anything in return. Trust that God’s timing is perfect. Let humility lead you into deeper dependence on Him and greater love for others, and let it start right now.
