There is a beauty in genuine humility—an authenticity that cannot be faked. We recognize it when we see it, just as we can sense when something is off. True humility draws us in with God's grace, while false humility leaves a subtle unease in its wake. Yet the moment humility becomes self-conscious, it is no longer humility—a truth so many of us fail to recognize in our everyday lives.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a Christian event and listen to an excellent speaker. I really enjoyed the message; it was right on point, convicting, and full of biblical truth. Yet, as I observed the speaker mingling with attendees before and after the event, something troubled me. It wasn't anything he said outright, but something beneath the surface.
It was in his eyes, his mannerisms, the way he carried himself before the people. There was a certain air about him—what I call a "humble pride." At first glance, it appeared as though he was walking in humility—his tone measured, his words carefully chosen, his posture reserved. Yet, there was an unspoken need to be seen as humble, to be perceived as meek.
When someone is not sitting at the feet of Christ daily, a deep and often unnoticed need begins to grow within them—a leanness of spirit. This void does not remain hidden; it manifests outwardly. Individuals who are not filled with Christ's presence will inevitably strive to project what is lacking within. They unknowingly may work tirelessly to appear gentle, strive to sound spiritual, or carefully craft an image of humility. But true humility is not something we manufacture; it is the natural byproduct of abiding in Christ. When we neglect that daily fellowship, we hunger for something to replace it—affirmation, approval, or even a reputation of piety. Yet, no amount of effort can substitute for the presence of Christ Himself.
This is why so many of us—even while busy doing good things—working, serving, helping, and filling our time with worthy activities—can still feel a deep sense of unease. We may be actively serving at church, volunteering, or giving our time to others, but if we are not dwelling in the presence of Christ daily, something is missing.
When we neglect to intentionally make time to sit with Jesus, read His Word, and pray, we begin to sense that emptiness. But when we prioritize time with Christ daily, we become more aware of His presence, and all selfish ambition, comparison, and a striving focus to appear a certain way before others simply dissolve.
Yet, if Christ's fellowship isn't central to our daily lives, something else always takes His place. A deep need arises—a hunger to be noticed, to be something we are not, to strive for an image that doesn't come naturally from within. This is why someone not filled with Christ must work to appear humble. Their efforts only reveal the lack inside.
But true humility does not concern itself with appearances. It is not anxious about how others perceive oneself. The heart at rest in Christ walks quietly and contentedly in close companionship with Him, free from the burden of needing to demonstrate itself to others. When our eyes are on our Master—our Lord and Friend—they are not on those around us. This is the place of peace.
Jesus' peace that He promises becomes authentic within the humble person. It's a peace that doesn't need validation, a peace that doesn't strive to prove anything. Instead of running after approval or recognition, we stand firm in the quiet assurance that we are already seen, known, and loved by God. In this place of peace, we can simply be without effort or pretense.
When we spend time daily to sit before Christ, enjoy Christ, and become acutely aware of His presence in our lives, our souls are filled with Him instead of fear, striving, or self-concern. His gracious Spirit sets us free from the weight of others' opinions, the exhausting need to appear righteous, and the subtle craving for recognition.
And when we are truly free—when our hearts are filled in the wonder of Christ alone—humility ceases to be something we try to achieve. It simply becomes who we are.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a Christian event and listen to an excellent speaker. I really enjoyed the message; it was right on point, convicting, and full of biblical truth. Yet, as I observed the speaker mingling with attendees before and after the event, something troubled me. It wasn't anything he said outright, but something beneath the surface.
It was in his eyes, his mannerisms, the way he carried himself before the people. There was a certain air about him—what I call a "humble pride." At first glance, it appeared as though he was walking in humility—his tone measured, his words carefully chosen, his posture reserved. Yet, there was an unspoken need to be seen as humble, to be perceived as meek.
When someone is not sitting at the feet of Christ daily, a deep and often unnoticed need begins to grow within them—a leanness of spirit. This void does not remain hidden; it manifests outwardly. Individuals who are not filled with Christ's presence will inevitably strive to project what is lacking within. They unknowingly may work tirelessly to appear gentle, strive to sound spiritual, or carefully craft an image of humility. But true humility is not something we manufacture; it is the natural byproduct of abiding in Christ. When we neglect that daily fellowship, we hunger for something to replace it—affirmation, approval, or even a reputation of piety. Yet, no amount of effort can substitute for the presence of Christ Himself.
This is why so many of us—even while busy doing good things—working, serving, helping, and filling our time with worthy activities—can still feel a deep sense of unease. We may be actively serving at church, volunteering, or giving our time to others, but if we are not dwelling in the presence of Christ daily, something is missing.
When we neglect to intentionally make time to sit with Jesus, read His Word, and pray, we begin to sense that emptiness. But when we prioritize time with Christ daily, we become more aware of His presence, and all selfish ambition, comparison, and a striving focus to appear a certain way before others simply dissolve.
Yet, if Christ's fellowship isn't central to our daily lives, something else always takes His place. A deep need arises—a hunger to be noticed, to be something we are not, to strive for an image that doesn't come naturally from within. This is why someone not filled with Christ must work to appear humble. Their efforts only reveal the lack inside.
But true humility does not concern itself with appearances. It is not anxious about how others perceive oneself. The heart at rest in Christ walks quietly and contentedly in close companionship with Him, free from the burden of needing to demonstrate itself to others. When our eyes are on our Master—our Lord and Friend—they are not on those around us. This is the place of peace.
Jesus' peace that He promises becomes authentic within the humble person. It's a peace that doesn't need validation, a peace that doesn't strive to prove anything. Instead of running after approval or recognition, we stand firm in the quiet assurance that we are already seen, known, and loved by God. In this place of peace, we can simply be without effort or pretense.
When we spend time daily to sit before Christ, enjoy Christ, and become acutely aware of His presence in our lives, our souls are filled with Him instead of fear, striving, or self-concern. His gracious Spirit sets us free from the weight of others' opinions, the exhausting need to appear righteous, and the subtle craving for recognition.
And when we are truly free—when our hearts are filled in the wonder of Christ alone—humility ceases to be something we try to achieve. It simply becomes who we are.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
