Prioritizing Humility and Valuing Others in Christian Life
The Biblical Foundation of Humility
The Christian concept of prioritizing humility and valuing others is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Philippians 2:3 instructs believers to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves" [4]. This principle is echoed in I Peter 5:5, which exhorts believers to "be subject to one another" and to "put on humility" [5].
Characteristics of Humility
According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, humility is a "prominent Christian grace" that is pleasing to God and preserves the soul in tranquility [1]. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights several key characteristics of humility, including considering others more important than oneself, being subject to one another, and being willing to receive instruction from others [2, 4, 5].
Christ as an Example of Humility
The life of Christ serves as a prime example of humility. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that Christ's humility was demonstrated through his taking on human nature, his subjection to his parents, and his association with the despised [3]. This example is cited as a motivation for believers to cultivate humility in their own lives.
Theological Perspectives on Humility
The Catholic tradition, as represented by Thomas Aquinas, understands humility as involving reverence for God and subjection to others [6]. In the Reformed tradition, John Calvin emphasizes the importance of self-denial and humility in the Christian life, arguing that believers should seek to serve God and others rather than their own interests [8, 10].
Practical Applications of Humility
The practice of humility is closely tied to other Christian virtues, such as love, kindness, and diligence. Matthew Henry's commentary on Romans 15:1 notes that believers should "bear the infirmities of the weak" and be willing to condescend to others [7]. Similarly, John Gill's commentary on Ephesians 4:2 emphasizes the importance of humility in promoting unity and love among believers [11].
Rewards and Benefits of Humility
Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights several rewards and benefits associated with humility, including being regarded by God, being heard by God, and being lifted up by God [2]. Proverbs 15:33, as interpreted by Rashi, notes that "humility causes honor to come" [9].
Conclusion
The prioritization of humility and valuing others is a fundamental aspect of Christian life, rooted in biblical teachings and exemplified in the life of Christ. Across various Christian traditions, humility is understood as a key virtue that promotes unity, love, and service to others. As believers cultivate humility, they can expect to experience the rewards and benefits associated with this virtue, including being regarded and lifted up by God.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility of Christ, The — Declared by himself -- Mt 11:29. Exhibited in his Taking our nature. -- Php 2:7; Heb 2:16. Birth. -- Lu 2:4-7. Subjection to his parents. -- Lu 2:51. Station in life. -- Mt 13:55; Joh 9:29. Poverty. -- Lu 9:58; 2Co 8:9. Partaking of our infirmities. -- Heb 4:15; 5:7. Submitting to ordinances. -- Mt 3:13-15. Becoming a servant. -- Mt 20:28; Lu 22:27; Php 2:7. Associating with the despised. -- Mt 9:10,11; Lu 15:1,2. Refusing honours. -- Joh 5:41; 6:15. Entry into Jerusalem. -- Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5,7. Washing his disciples' feet. -- Joh 13:5. Obedi”
- Philippians “Philippians 2:3 (BSB) — Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.”
- I Peter “I Peter 5:5 (LITV) — Likewise, younger ones be subject to older ones; and all being subject to one another. Put on humility, because God sets Himself "against proud ones, but He gives grace to humble ones." Prov. 3:34”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part (Secunda Secundae), Of Humility, Art. 3: Article: Whether one ought, by humility, to subject oneself to all men? I answer that, We may consider two things in man, namely that which is God's, and that which is man's. Whatever pertains to defect is man's: but whatever pertains to man's welfare and perfection is God's, according to the saying of Osee 13:9, "Destruction is thy own, O Israel; thy help is only in Me." Now humility, as stated above (Article [1], ad 5; Article [2], ad 3), properly regards the reverence whereby man is subject to”
- Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 15:1: The apostle here lays down two precepts, with reasons to enforce them, showing the duty of the strong Christian to consider and condescend to the weakest. I. We must bear the infirmities of the weak, Rom 15:1. We all have our infirmities; but the weak are more subject to them than others - the weak in knowledge or grace, the bruised reed and the smoking flax. We must consider these; not trample upon them, but encourage them, and bear with their infirmities. If through weakness they judge and censure us, and speak evil of us, we must bear with them, pity them, and ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 62: 2006 CHAPTER 7. A SUMMARY OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. OF SELF-DENIAL. 391 391 On this and the three following chapters, which contain the second part of the Treatise on the Christian Life, see Augustine, De Moribus Ecclesiae Catholicae, and Calvin de Scandalis. The divisions of the chapter are,—I. The rule which permits us not to go astray in the study of righteousness, requires two things—viz. that man, abandoning his own will, devote himself entirely to the service of God; whence it follows, that we must seek not our own things, but t”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Proverbs 15:33: and before honor there is humility Humility causes honor to come.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 62: refuted. 7. Christian life cannot exist without charity. Remedies for the vices opposed to charity. 1. Mercy. 2. Humility. 3. Modesty. 4. Diligence. 5. Perseverance. 8. Self-denial, in respect of God, should lead to equanimity and tolerance. 1. We are always subject to God. 2. We should shun avarice and ambition. 3. We should expect all prosperity from the blessing of God, and entirely depend on him. 9. We ought not to desire wealth or honours without the divine blessing, nor follow the arts of the wicked. We ought to cast all our ”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 4:2: With all lowliness and meekness,..... In the exercise of humility, which shows itself in believers, in entertaining and expressing the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; in not envying the gifts and graces of others, but rejoicing at them, and at every increase of them; in a willingness to receive instruction from the meanest saints; in submission to the will of God in all adverse dispensations of Providence; and in ascribing all they have, and are, to the grace of God: and so to behave, is to walk agreeably to their calling of God; and what the”