Today, we are going to get into a topic that’s powerful yet often overlooked—walking humbly. In a world where self-promotion and achievements are celebrated, humility can seem countercultural. But the Bible tells us that humility is a core part of our walk with God and an important part of building healthy relationships.
In Micah 6:8, we’re given a simple challenge it says, “O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Walking humbly is an invitation to live in a way that honors God and others above ourselves, and it has the power to transform our hearts.
Let's talk more about what walking humbly really means, why it matters, and how it affects our daily lives. Let’s dig in and discover the freedom and strength that come from living with a humble heart.
Let’s start by talking about the foundation of humility: recognizing our dependence on God. When we walk humbly, we acknowledge that everything we have—our talents, resources, and even our next breath—comes from Him. Humility isn’t about putting ourselves down; it’s about lifting God up and understanding that He’s the source of all we need.
It took me a long time to realize that I needed to fully depend on the Lord. I’m a pretty independent person and one who needed to feel like I had control of things. But over the years as the Lord molded me and changed me, He showed me my dependence on Him was needed and in that He has drastically changed me to want to purse that dependence and to fully rely on Him.
John 15:5 says, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” When we truly grasp that we’re only strong and capable because of God’s grace, it brings us to a place of humility. We see that we need Him every day, in every way.
What are some areas of your life where you’re relying on your own strength? How might your outlook change if you invited God into those areas and recognized your dependence on Him?
Walking humbly is putting others first. Humility isn’t just about our relationship with God—it’s also about how we treat the people around us. Philippians 2:3 says, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” This isn’t about feeling inferior; it’s about valuing others as highly as we value ourselves.
It is not in my nature to be the center of attention but sometimes when I was younger and I was doing something for someone else I would wait and sometimes even expect something, some kind of gesture in return. This thought that we are talking about though is about complete selflessness. Giving to give, doing to do. When we have that mindset, we are more willing to put others first and our wants or expectations fall away and are no longer desired.
When we walk humbly, we’re willing to put others’ needs above our own. It might mean lending a helping hand, listening instead of talking, or being quick to forgive. Humility frees us from the need to be the center of attention and allows us to be truly present for others. When we’re focused on serving, it creates space for God’s love to flow through us.
Today, try putting someone else first. It could be letting someone go ahead of you in line, offering an encouraging word, or simply listening without interrupting. Small acts of humility make a big impact and reflect God’s love to those around us.
Walking humbly means trusting God’s timing and plan over our own. Often, our pride tells us that we know best, but humility reminds us that God’s wisdom is far greater than ours. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Walking humbly means surrendering our plans to God and believing that He knows what’s best for us.
This can be challenging, especially when things don’t go the way we expected. But when we trust God with a humble heart, we’re able to find peace and patience. We don’t have to control everything because we know that He’s in control.
I’ve learned over the years just to do. Don’t expect anything. When I changed to that mindset my perspective of doing and giving changed. It became freeing and less like I needed to do it because I was expected do. That expectation I put on myself or on others was released. It became more about doing it because I knew that’s what I should do as a Christ follower.
Think about an area where you’re struggling to let go and trust God’s plan. What would it look like to approach this situation with humility, surrendering your expectations and allowing God to guide you?
Walking humbly means recognizing our dependence on God, putting others first, and trusting His timing. It’s a lifestyle that reflects Jesus, who modeled humility for us. Philippians 2:7-8 says that Jesus “gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being… He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” If Jesus, the King of Kings, walked humbly, then we too are called to follow His example.
Humility is an invitation to experience God’s presence more deeply and to be a blessing to others around us.
Let’s make it our goal this week to walk humbly with God, letting His love shine through us in all we do.