“Humility” is derived from how the mind is framed. Thus, it is a quality of not being overly impressed with one’s own self-importance, or having a humble opinion of oneself. Since “humility” expresses a freedom from pride or arrogance, it properly conveys the meaning of the Greek concept of humble (ταπεινός–tapeinos). Humility focuses on the frame of mind of being humble.
Humility comes from a proper frame of mind, especially concerning our calling by the Lord. We are to walk in a worthy manner of our Lord in the calling in which He called us, with humility, objectivity of mind, long-suffering, bearing with one another, and endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:2). We in the Church are all part of one body, share in one immersion, have one Lord, one faith, and serve the one and only God the Father (Ephesians 4:4–6). Therefore, the manner in which we conduct our lives comes from a proper frame of mind in relation to our salvation and position in Christ. There are many parts in the body, but all are of one body.
Since we are all part of one body, nothing is to be done among the saints out of selfish ambition or conceit. Rather, with humility we are to esteem others better than ourselves, so that we look out for each other’s interests, not our own (Philippians 2:3).
We are not to be ignorant of humility. Having a humble frame of mind must be based upon who we are in Christ, not what we do. False teachers will use humility to cheat us out of our freedom in Christ. Using humility as a mask, they introduce the worship of angels and intrude into things they do not discern. This use of humility, vainly puff up a man by his fleshly mind (Colossians 2:18). Since we have died with Christ, we are free from the basic principles of the world that uses self-imposed religion and humility, along with the neglect of the body, to impose a sense of righteousness based upon works (Colossians 2:23). This type of humility has not value against the indulgences of the flesh.
Having a proper frame of mind is essential for the Christian lifestyle. God arranges Himself in war against the proud, but He gives favor to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). We are to clothe ourselves with humility, which results from understanding who we are in Christ and our connection to other saints in the body of Christ. Thus, humility comes from a proper frame of mind that does not puff us up in our minds, nor permit us to think of ourselves as better than others. For we are all one in Christ.
