Okay, here’s the expanded question:: The book of Micah 6:8 says, "…what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" I understand the parts about doing justice and loving kindness, but I’m struggling to grasp what "walking humbly with God" truly entails. What are the practical implications of this? What does it look like in everyday life? Does it mean downplaying my accomplishments? Does it mean being passive or subservient? Are there specific examples in the Bible of people who walked humbly with God, and what can we learn from them? What are some potential pitfalls to avoid when trying to live this out? How does this concept relate to other biblical teachings on humility, pride, and our relationship with God? Finally, is there a difference between being humble in general and walking humbly with God specifically?
Answer
Walking humbly with God, according to the Bible, encompasses several interwoven aspects of one’s relationship with the divine. It is described most succinctly in Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty and Your Dependence: Walking humbly means recognizing God’s supreme authority, power, and wisdom. It involves surrendering one’s own will and acknowledging dependence on God for everything, including guidance, provision, and strength. This is contrasted with pride, which attributes success and accomplishment to oneself, diminishing God’s role. Psalm 46:10 states, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Humility allows one to be still and recognize God’s inherent authority.
Recognize Your Own Imperfection and Sinfulness: A key component of walking humbly is the honest assessment of oneself. Acknowledging one’s imperfections, weaknesses, and sinfulness is essential. This understanding prompts a reliance on God’s grace and mercy for forgiveness and redemption. Romans 3:23 states "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," reinforcing the universal human condition of imperfection.
Practice Obedience to God’s Commands: Humility manifests itself in obedience to God’s commandments. This obedience isn’t motivated by a desire for reward or fear of punishment, but by a genuine love and reverence for God. John 14:15 states "If you love me, keep my commands," illustrating that obedience is a natural outflow of love. Obeying God’s word demonstrates a willingness to submit to His will, a hallmark of humility.
Value Others Above Yourself: Humility involves considering others as more important than oneself. It’s the opposite of selfishness and arrogance. Philippians 2:3-4 states, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." This attitude leads to acts of service, compassion, and empathy towards others, mirroring Christ’s selfless love.
Be Teachable and Open to Correction: A humble person is receptive to learning and correction. They are willing to admit when they are wrong and to seek guidance from others, particularly from those who are more knowledgeable or experienced in spiritual matters. Proverbs 12:15 says, "The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice." This willingness to learn is a sign of intellectual and spiritual humility.
Accept Suffering and Trials with Grace: Life inevitably brings trials and suffering. Walking humbly with God means trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty even in the midst of hardship. It means accepting suffering not as punishment, but as an opportunity for growth, refinement, and deeper reliance on God. Romans 5:3-5 speaks of how "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Live Simply and Avoid Materialism: Humility is often linked to simplicity and a detachment from material possessions. Focusing on spiritual values rather than accumulating wealth and status reflects a heart that is centered on God rather than worldly things. Matthew 6:19-21 warns against storing up treasures on earth and encourages one to store up treasures in heaven.
Maintain a Constant Awareness of God’s Presence: Walking with God implies a constant awareness of His presence in one’s life. It’s a conscious choice to engage in prayer, meditation, and reflection, seeking to discern God’s will and guidance in all aspects of life. This ongoing communion fosters intimacy and strengthens the bond between the believer and God.
Express Gratitude: A humble heart is a grateful heart. Regularly expressing gratitude to God for His blessings, both big and small, helps to keep one’s perspective grounded in humility. Thankfulness acknowledges that all good things come from God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs believers to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
In summary, walking humbly with God is not a passive state but an active, ongoing process of surrendering to God’s will, recognizing one’s dependence on Him, and living a life of obedience, service, and gratitude, always keeping God’s presence in mind.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before you today seeking a deeper understanding of what it truly means to walk humbly with you. The words resonate in our hearts, but the living out of them feels like a steep climb.
We know, through scripture, that true humility is not weakness, but a strength born of recognizing your majesty and our own dependence on you. We pray for the grace to shed our pride, our ego, our illusions of control. Help us to acknowledge that every breath, every blessing, every talent comes from your generous hand.
Show us, Lord, how to walk with a contrite spirit, listening more than we speak, eager to learn from others and from your Word. Teach us to treat everyone with respect and kindness, remembering that each person is made in your image and deserves dignity.
Help us to be humble in our service to others, willing to do the unseen, the unnoticed, the unglamorous tasks with a joyful heart. Grant us the wisdom to understand that true greatness lies not in our accomplishments, but in our willingness to pour out our lives in love and service.
Forgive us, Father, for the times we have stumbled, for the moments when pride has taken root and choked out the spirit of humility within us. We ask for your mercy and your guidance as we strive to walk in the light of your truth.
Empower us, through your Holy Spirit, to cultivate a heart that is meek and lowly, a heart that is open to your will and surrendered to your purpose. May we, by your grace, truly walk humbly with you, all the days of our lives.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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