How to know false humility
The Bible says we must humble ourselves before the Lord for it pleases Him. Humility is also the key to obeying God’s will and commands. But how do we tell what is true from what is false humility?
We must distinguish the difference to walk in God’s righteousness genuinely.
First, let us understand the definition of true humility in the Lord, and then let us look at some signs of false humility.
Understanding true humility
Genuine humility is about surrendering yourself to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is not your will but God’s will. God’s amazing grace binds it.
Besides, true humility is more about God’s desires than yours. It is when you submit and obey His will while admitting that our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us.
One example of true humility is John the Baptist. Despite having followers and the might to baptize and preach the word of God, he chose to be less when Jesus arrived.
John the Baptist says in John 3:30 that Jesus must become greater; he must become less. In this verse, John shows his complete reverence for our Savior, Jesus Christ, regardless of what he has already achieved.
Thus, it shows his genuine humility before the Lord.
So, what are the signs of false humility?
How to know false humility
False humility is elusive, as it covers pride. That is why it is easy for us to think that we are walking in humility, but we are not. So, it is always good to evaluate ourselves and pray to the Lord to clean up our motives if our words and actions align with His desires.
Let us dive into some indications of false humility so we can guard ourselves.
Self-righteousness
Being self-righteous is one of the signs of false humility. It is when people exalt themselves higher than others. For instance, the Pharisees believe they are religiously obeying God’s laws but belittle others.
Another example could be some who are well-versed in the Bible and think they are more righteous than others.
Filtering sins
When you are willing to confess minor sins but choose to be blind to your big sins, then that is false humility. God wants us to confess our shortcomings and transgressions, not filter what we want to repent.
In addition, we should be willing to surrender everything to God, believing that He is faithful and just to forgive us of all our sins.
Rejecting compliments
Another sign of false humility is not accepting compliments from other people. For instance, if people recognized your incredible singing voice or achievements at work, you would respond with a demeaning comment like "Oh, you are just joking, or it is just luck.”
You may think you are being humble by shrugging off your achievements, but in reality, it makes you appear more arrogant. You can just say thank you.
Moreover, God made you unique, and through His grace, you can do your work excellently so you can be thankful instead of rejecting compliments.
Giving but expecting something in return
A person shows false humility if they serve others but have selfish motives for expecting something in return. When we give something to others or help someone, we should do it out of love and love for God.
There should be no expectation that the person will return the favor. Give because you genuinely care, and that is genuine humility. Jesus Christ did not heal the sick and demanded that they love Him. He did it because he genuinely cared.
People pleaser
When you do things for people’s validation, it is false humility. You will do anything to satisfy other people's desires, regardless of whether it pleases the Lord or not. It may seem like they are submitting to authority or doing it for God, but at the back of their heads, they want others to like them.
Ways to overcome false humility
Knowing the truth about humility is essential for us to walk in righteousness and please the Lord. God loves those who are genuinely humble, and He gives favor to them.
Overcoming false humility could be challenging, but there are possible ways for us to conquer and change our character.
Here are some ways to overcome false humility.
- Be Thankful
When genuinely grateful for everything, you will appreciate all compliments and thank God. Thanking others when they see good things about you is not being arrogant but acknowledging that God’s work made you successful.
Simply saying “thank you” creates a huge impact.
- Embrace your responsibility, not your position
Many people are failing when it comes to holding on to their positions. Titles and positions come and go, but how you handle your responsibility matters.
If you are a pastor or a church leader, you must focus on doing your role—to shepherd God’s flock. Do not let your power blind you because doing so could lead you to abuse and overuse your position.
- Be careful when obeying God’s command
Genuine humility is about complete surrender to God’s authority over your life. Meditate on His words day and night. Then be careful to follow them. As guided by His law, you will manifest the true meaning of humility.
- Focus on serving others without expectations
Let God see your labor for serving others, and keep doing good regardless of whether people appreciate you. Remember that the most extraordinary audience for have in everything you do is God.
- Correct others with love.
It is good to correct others as a sign of our concern for them, but we should not condemn nor judge them. We are here to encourage one another and carry each other’s burden. We should not think we are more righteous or better than the others.
Prayer for freedom from false humility
Prayer is the key to asking God to release us from false humility. We cannot do it independently and need God’s power and hands to work within us. Here is a suggested prayer to help us free ourselves from false modesty.
Lord,
Search me and examine my heart.
Show me any areas of false humility in me.
I confess and repent that I have opened the door to pride in my life through false humility.
(Confess and repent for anything revealed.)
Thank you for setting me free from the bondage of pride. I ask you to renew my mind. Create a pure heart, O God, and renew my steadfast spirit. Lord, cultivate humility and give me the grace to walk in genuine humility. I declare that I have the mind of Christ, and apart from you, I can do nothing.
I declare that my mind, will, and emotions are submitted to the Lord.
Jesus Christ: the perfect example of genuine humility
No other name could demonstrate the true meaning of humility more than our Lord Jesus Christ. He is God and sits beside the throne of His heavenly Father. Yet, when He was asked to become human, He did it without hesitation and questions about the will of the Father.
Imagine the King of Kings was born in a manger with the farm animals. He was willing to become a carpenter and not be served here. He served the people without even demanding something in return.
Even to His death, He carried His cross to the mountain and wore a crown of thorns. He came down to raise us and prepare heaven for us.
Thus, who are we to become proud among people when Jesus Christ himself humbled himself for the sinners?
