Being a Godly Man Series #3

STAY HUMBLE

Be vigilant against pride.
Don’t think less of yourself — think of yourself less.

It’s hard to be humble—truly humble. Don’t think so?

Have you ever told a story about yourself where you did something great—won a contest, got employee of the month, aced a big exam? I know I’ve told plenty of those stories, and I often have to catch myself when talking about current or past accomplishments. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to celebrate those moments with the people we love. But how we share them—that’s the key.

I’ve often found that when I talk about my experiences or skills, my language can unintentionally put me above others—like I’m trying to impress a hiring manager with a message of, “Pick me, because I’m better than everyone else.”

Growing up, I spent a lot of time practicing martial arts. Both of my instructors were incredibly talented—but humility wasn’t one of their strengths. Ironically, our sister school—run by a childhood friend of my instructors—also had very skilled teachers. The difference? You wouldn’t know it from their words. You saw it in their actions and in the way their students carried themselves. Their humility spoke louder than any self-promotion ever could.

That’s the key—if you’re truly skilled and proficient in your craft, sport, or calling, your actions will speak louder than your words. Arrogance creates distance. It separates us from others, which is the opposite of what God calls us to do. So the next time you find yourself talking about your own achievements—or even commenting on someone else—ask yourself: “Am I separating myself from them? Am I placing myself above them?” If the answer is yes, it may be worth reflecting on why we’re telling that story or making that comment in the first place. Because sometimes the most powerful witness isn’t in what we say—but in how we live.

I watched a story the other day that really stuck with me. A man was speaking about how we often don’t take the time to stop and speak to others—for various reasons. But the one that struck me most was appearance.

We judge so harshly based on how someone looks.

In the story, the man admitted that of all the people around him, he chose to approach a homeless man last—even though that man was the most available. When he finally did speak to him, the homeless man looked up and asked, “Why didn’t you speak to me first?” What a powerful question.

I’ve seen skits and videos where Christ is portrayed as a homeless man—asking for help while everyone walks by. And it makes me ask, why do we turn away?Is it because we don’t have time? Because we’re afraid? Because we assume they’re unstable, addicted, or scamming for money? Whatever the reason—we’re not called to judge. We’re called to love and to give as Christ did.

That is a tall order - loving as Christ loved us. If we do this, we won't be concerned about ourselves when it comes to giving, looking good, being the best, or how other use what we give them. Christ cleaned the feet of others with his hair. Think about that for a second, GOD cleaned feet with his hair in a time where they didn't have closed toed shoes or socks. THOSE FEET WERE NASTY!!! Add oil to the mix and you have muddy hair.

Humility isn’t just about how we talk about ourselves or others—it’s also about how we own the events in our lives. I can’t count how many times my wife and I have been in a conversation where she gently points out something I could’ve handled better—and my first instinct is to jump to my own defense. But here’s the truth: even if you’re technically right, we are still called to be humble. None of us are perfect. And as long as that’s true, there’s always room to grow. Always. So instead of reacting defensively, my goal is to pause and ask: How could I have done this better? How can I grow into a better version of myself—the one God created me to be?

When my wife says, “Babe, we missed you today—you weren’t very present,” my first instinct is to go on the defensive. I want to explain how long and exhausting my day at work was, and why I deserve some space. But instead, I’ve learned to start with an apology. We sit down, talk through my day, her day, and how we can manage our time more intentionally—so we can be better partners to each other and better parents to our kids. It’s time to let go of the need to always be right. I often want to tell my wife she’s not understanding what I’m trying to say—but maybe, just maybe, the issue isn’t her understanding. Maybe I’m not communicating as clearly or kindly as I think I am.

God lived, died, and rose for us - so maybe we should think of others first as well.

Simama na uangaze!

Rise up and shine!

“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God... casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:5–7

We must constantly check our hearts. Are we giving glory to God, or seeking recognition for ourselves? Even subtle pride distances us from God's grace. True humility honors Him.

Other Scripture:
Proverbs 3:5–6, Proverbs 12:1, Isaiah 66:2, Micah 6:8, John 15:5, Philippians 2:3–5