The Pathway to Honor: Humility

The Pathway to Honor: Humility

Isaac Megbolugbe
December 20, 2024

In a world where ambition and self-promotion are often encouraged, the concept of humility can seem counterintuitive. However, the Bible teaches us that humility is the pathway to honor. In fact, the apostle Peter writes, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

The story of Elisha, the prophet who served under Elijah, is a powerful illustration of this principle. Elisha began his ministry by serving Elijah, performing humble tasks such as pouring water on his hands. However, through his faithful service, Elisha eventually received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit and went on to perform even greater miracles.

This story teaches us that humility is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. When we humble ourselves and serve others, we open ourselves up to receive God’s favor and promotion. As the psalmist writes, “Promotion comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south; but God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another” (Psalm 75:6-7).

In addition to Elisha’s story, the Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who were promoted to positions of honor and authority because of their humility. For instance, David, the young shepherd boy, was anointed king of Israel because of his humble heart (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Similarly, Jesus taught that the humble will be exalted, while the proud will be humbled (Luke 14:11).

So, how can we cultivate humility in our own lives? Here are a few practical suggestions:

1. Serve others: Look for opportunities to serve others, whether it’s in your family, church, or community.
2. Be willing to learn: Recognize that you don’t have all the answers and be willing to learn from others.
3. Avoid self-promotion: Resist the temptation to promote yourself or seek recognition. Instead, let your work speak for itself.
4. Practice gratitude: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude by thanking God for the opportunities and blessings you receive.

In conclusion, humility is the pathway to honor. When we humble ourselves and serve others, we open ourselves up to receive God’s favor and promotion. As we cultivate humility in our lives, let us remember that promotion comes from God, and that He is the one who sets up and puts down. May we seek to honor Him in all we do.