Humility: A Willing and Eager Dependence on God

Humility is one of the most misunderstood virtues in the Christian life. Some see it as weakness, others as mere politeness, and still others as irrelevant in a world that prioritizes self-promotion. However, true biblical humility is far more than an attitude of meekness—it is a conscious, eager, and willing dependence upon God.

Derek Prince, in Pride Versus Humility, explains that humility is not about thinking less of ourselves but about thinking more of God. It is a daily posture of trust, surrender, and obedience, recognizing that everything we have—our abilities, opportunities, and even our very breath—comes from Him.

When we truly grasp this, we no longer view humility as a burden but as a blessing. Let’s explore what this means and why humility is the key to a life that pleases God.

1. Humility Recognizes Our Dependence on God

One of the greatest deceptions of pride is the illusion of independence—the belief that we can make life work without God. This is exactly how Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the garden:

“You will be like God.” (Genesis 3:5, NASB)

From the beginning, sin has been rooted in a desire to be independent of God, to rely on our own wisdom rather than His, and to seek our own way rather than His way. But Jesus made it clear:

“…for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NASB)

To be humble is to embrace this truth joyfully. It is to wake up each morning knowing that we need God’s guidance, strength, and wisdom in every aspect of life. Instead of trying to control outcomes, we willingly trust Him with them. Instead of making decisions based solely on logic or emotions, we seek His will first.

Humility is not reluctance—it is eagerness to depend on God. It is a heart that says, “Lord, I can’t do this without You, and I don’t want to.”

2. Humility is the Gateway to Grace and Strength

Many people resist humility because they see it as losing power—but the opposite is true. In God’s kingdom, humility is the key to receiving His power.

“…God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6, NASB)

Grace is God’s empowerment, His undeserved favor that enables us to live righteously, endure trials, and serve effectively. But God resists the proud—those who think they can manage life without Him.

Humility positions us to receive from God rather than striving in our own strength. This is why the apostle Paul could say:

“…for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10, NASB)

True humility says, “Lord, I can’t, but You can.” And that is exactly where God wants us to be.

3. Humility Follows the Example of Jesus

There is a sharp contrast between the pride of Satan with the humility of Jesus. Satan exalted himself and was cast down (Isaiah 14:12-15). Jesus humbled Himself and was exalted (Philippians 2:5-11).

Jesus, though fully God, chose the path of humility. He:

  • Emptied Himself of His divine privileges (Philippians 2:7).

  • Became a servant rather than seeking status.

  • Submitted to the will of the Father—even to the point of death.

And because He humbled Himself, God exalted Him above every name.

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12, NASB)

If we are to follow Christ, we too must embrace humility—not reluctantly, but willingly.

Humility is not weakness; it is the greatest strength, for it aligns us with God’s perfect will.

4. Humility Frees Us from Self-Reliance

The world teaches us to be self-sufficient, to trust in our own abilities, and to chase personal ambition. But humility liberates us from the exhausting burden of self-reliance.

  • Instead of worrying about what others think, humility seeks to please God (Galatians 1:10).

  • Instead of striving to control outcomes, humility trusts God’s plan (Proverbs 3:5-6).

  • Instead of being fearful of failure, humility rests in God’s strength (Isaiah 41:10).

When we humble ourselves, we release control to God. We stop trying to make everything work by our own wisdom, and we lean fully on His sufficiency.

Pride makes life a struggle. Humility makes life a surrender. And surrender is where peace is found.

5. Humility Leads to True Exaltation

Many people fear humility because they associate it with being overlooked or becoming insignificant. But in God’s kingdom, humility is the pathway to true honor.

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10, NASB)

The way up is down. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be lifted up.

We don’t need to fight for recognition, push our own agenda, or demand our rights. God sees everything, and He rewards those who walk in humility.

Our job is to humble ourselves. God’s job is to exalt us at the right time.

Conclusion: A Willing and Eager Dependence

At its core, humility is not reluctance—it is eager dependence on God.

  • It is the joyful recognition that we need Him in every area of life.

  • It is the freedom of laying down our burdens and trusting Him fully.

  • It is the pathway to grace, strength, and true exaltation.

The question we must ask is this:

Will we cling to control, or will we surrender to God with willing dependence?

The choice is ours. But the promise remains true:

“Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12, NASB)

Let us then embrace humility—not as a burden, but as a blessing. For in humbling ourselves, we find the grace, strength, and favor of God Himself.

Curtis Sergeant