The Strength in Humility: A Virtue of True Power
Something is unsettling about watching a person transform under the weight of success. It happens so often that it’s almost expected. Someone who was once kind, thoughtful, and grounded suddenly shifts when power, fame, or wealth enters the picture. Their words become sharper, their patience thinner, their priorities altered. They used to take time for people, but now, people are expected to wait for them. They once considered others, but now they expect the world to revolve around them.
Not everyone changes for the worse, but many do. And it makes me wonder—what about power and success makes some people forget who they once were? Why do some remain unchanged while others allow pride to consume them?
The difference is humility.
Humility is a quiet strength that allows a person to remain steady, regardless of whether they are praised or criticized, lifted or cast down. A humble person does not need validation from others to know their worth. They do not expect special treatment, nor do they demand to be recognized for their importance. On the other hand, pride distorts reality. A prideful person begins to see themselves as above correction, beyond the reach of ordinary struggles, and entitled to special treatment. But the higher one exalts themselves, the greater the fall. Jesus made this clear. Luke 14:11 when He said, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Exalting oneself is not just a spiritual principle but a truth in everyday life. When someone becomes so consumed with their importance, life brings them back to reality.
The prideful may climb to great heights, but the weight of their arrogance will eventually pull them down. Meanwhile, the humble—those who do not seek the spotlight, who do not chase power or recognition—find themselves lifted in ways they never expected.
We should apply this principle by consistently examining our hearts. Are we lifting ourselves, seeking praise and recognition at the expense of others? Do we expect others to serve us while we refuse to serve? Are we so consumed with our success that we fail to see the needs of those around us? Humility is a choice. Living aware that we are no more significant than the next person is a daily commitment. The way up in life is often through humility, not pride.
Proverbs 11:2: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
How often have we seen this proven true? Pride blinds people to their faults, making them resistant to correction and wisdom. A prideful person would rather than admit they need help, but a humble person seeks wisdom, knowing there is always more to learn. The humble are teachable, and because of that, they continue to grow. The proud, however, are stagnant, trapped by their arrogance.
Humility doesn’t just make a person wise—it makes them trustworthy. Because humility creates a sense of security, people can be drawn to those with humility. A humble leader listens before speaking, considers before acting, and acknowledges their mistakes instead of covering them up.
However, a leader ruled by pride will ignore the wisdom of others, make reckless decisions, and refuse to admit when they are wrong. They may appear strong, but their arrogance will ultimately be their downfall.
Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the Lord your God led you in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
God allows specific challenges in our lives to test the condition of our hearts. Do we remain faithful in times of struggle or become bitter?
Do we remember where we came from or let success erase our past lessons?
Humbling is not meant to harm us but to prepare us. When we recognize that all we have comes from God, humility becomes natural. But pride takes root when we believe that we are self-made and have achieved success by our own hands alone.
Humility provides security. A humble person does not fear losing status or recognition because their worth is not tied to those things. They do not need to be the loudest voice in the room to feel important, nor do they feel threatened by the success of others. Humility allows people to see themselves clearly—not as more significant than others, but not as lesser.
But there is a deceptive kind of humility that is just as dangerous as pride. Some people use the appearance of humility as a tool for manipulation. They act self-sacrificing and meek, but their actions are driven by a desire to be seen as virtuous. They may downplay their accomplishments, not because they are genuinely humble but because they want others to insist on recognizing them. This false humility is just another form of pride hidden under the disguise of modesty.
Some believe that humility means putting themselves down, thinking less of themselves, and rejecting any form of confidence. But humility is not self-degradation. It is not thinking less of yourself but of yourself less. It is using what you have been given to serve rather than to boast. It is standing firm in yourself without needing to prove your worth.
Humility matters because it keeps our hearts in check. It matters because our character is revealed in how we treat others, especially when we have nothing to gain from them. Do we look down on those who have less than us? Do we serve when no one is watching? Do we care about others, or is everything about us?
In the end, power, wealth, and influence will fade, but how we treat others will be remembered. Humility is not a weakness but a strength that allows us to remain steady no matter how high we rise. True power is not found in titles or status but in how we love, serve, and walk humbly with God.
Respectfully
Draywriter
Be Safe, Love Always!!!
