Humility in the Midst of Self-Exaltation
Definition of Humility
Humility is the quality or condition of being humble; having a modest opinion or estimate of one's
own importance or rank.
Synonyms: submissiveness, meekness, lowliness.
Humility may mean lowering ourselves from something that tries to exalt itself above God.
Examples / Signs of Lack of Humility
1 Self-Exaltation: Constantly wanting to be seen, praised, or recognized. Taking credit for what
God or others have done. Saying, 'I made it happen,' instead of 'God helped me.'
2 Refusing Correction: Getting defensive when corrected or advised. Thinking, 'I already know,'
instead of listening. Ignoring godly counsel or instruction (Proverbs 13:18).
3 Jealousy and Envy: Feeling threatened by someone else’s success or anointing. Trying to
compete with or bring others down. Comparing yourself instead of celebrating others (James
3:16).
4 Lack of Gratitude: Forgetting to thank God or people for help and opportunities. Acting as if
blessings are deserved, not given by grace.
5 Boasting and Showing Off: Talking too much about your achievements or spiritual gifts. Using
testimonies to glorify self rather than God. Wanting to 'prove' how powerful or spiritual you are.
6 Despising Others: Looking down on those with less education, money, or spiritual gifts.
Thinking your ministry, church, or calling is better than others. Mocking or judging instead of
helping.
7 Unforgiveness and Bitterness: Holding grudges because you think you’re 'too right' to forgive.
Pride often says, 'They don’t deserve my forgiveness.'
8 Refusing to Serve or Do Small Tasks: Thinking some work is 'beneath' you. Jesus washed His
disciples’ feet — pride refuses to bend that low.
9 Overconfidence in Self: Depending more on talent, money, education, or strength than on God.
Saying, 'I can do it without praying.'
10 Seeking Praise from People: Doing good things mainly to be seen or applauded. Measuring
your worth by likes, followers, or titles instead of God’s approval.
Joseph – Humility Leads to Elevation
Genesis 40:8 (AMP): “Do not interpretations belong to God?”
From Joseph's statement, we can see he did not exalt himself above God because of the gift he
carried. He acknowledged that interpretations belong to God.
Joseph understood that the gift is God's property, and he was only a vessel through whom God
worked.
Lesson: True humility recognizes that every gift, talent, or revelation we have is from God, and all
glory must return to Him.
Genesis 41:15–16 (AMP): “It is not in me [to interpret the dream]; God [not I] will give Pharaoh
a favorable answer [through me].”
Here, Joseph took back the acknowledgment to God, stating that it is God, not him, who gives the
interpretation.
Notes: When Pharaoh tried to credit Joseph for his gift, Joseph immediately redirected the glory to
God. He said, 'It is not in me,' showing humility and dependence on God's power.
Lesson: When people praise our gifts or abilities, we must point them back to God — the Giver of
every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).
Principle: God can trust those who refuse to take credit for what He alone has done.
Humility leads to elevation: After Joseph continually gave glory to God and refused to exalt himself,
God elevated him to high places before kings. Pharaoh recognized that the Spirit of God was in
Joseph — not merely skill or intellect.
Lesson: Humility attracts divine favor. When your heart stays low before God, He will lift you high
before men. (1 Peter 5:6; James 4:10)
Samson – Lack of Humility Leads to Downfall
Judges 14:5-6 (AMP): 'The Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily, and he tore the lion
apart...'
Samson was given strength by God to do extraordinary things. But immediately after he began to
take credit, pride entered.
Judges 15:16 (AMP): 'With the jawbone of a donkey, Heaps upon heaps, With the jawbone of a
donkey I have struck down a thousand men.'
This shows the birth of pride — taking glory for what the Spirit of the Lord accomplished.
Immediately after, Samson's spiritual sensitivity began to fade. His next actions show carelessness,
arrogance, and disobedience, leading to his downfall (Judges 16:20 — 'He did not know that the
Lord had left him.').
Lesson: Pride is subtle — it often begins with words like 'I did it.'
Prayer Points
• Lord, give me a spirit of humility.
• Lord, take away my pride.
• Lord, take away self-reliance.
• Lord, remind me to always remember that You are the reason I am here.
• Lord, let me remember that in the midst of exaltation or praise from others, You are the reason I
am here.