As we bring our sermon series on Micah 6:8 to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what it truly means to walk humbly with our God. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored how God calls us to act justly and to love faithfulness, each of which is deeply rooted in our relationship with Him. Today, we arrive at perhaps the most challenging and countercultural part of the verse: walking humbly with God.
Micah 6:8 (CSB) says:
“Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
In a world that often prizes success, self-exaltation, and personal gain, humility can feel like an obstacle. But in the economy of God’s kingdom, humility is foundational. It’s a key aspect of living out justice and faithfulness because it acknowledges that we are not at the center—God is.
Micah 6:8 (CSB) says:
“Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
In a world that often prizes success, self-exaltation, and personal gain, humility can feel like an obstacle. But in the economy of God’s kingdom, humility is foundational. It’s a key aspect of living out justice and faithfulness because it acknowledges that we are not at the center—God is.
What Does It Mean to Walk Humbly?
Humility, as understood in Scripture, is about seeing ourselves rightly in relation to God. It’s not about demeaning ourselves or adopting a mindset of unworthiness, but rather recognizing that all we are and all we have come from God. As C.S. Lewis wisely put it, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
This kind of humility runs contrary to the messages we receive from the world. We’re often told to look out for number one, to be self-made, and to make sure others see our successes. But God invites us to something different: a life that is marked by reliance on Him and consideration of others.
Walking humbly with God is more than just a command. It’s a way of living that transforms our hearts and shapes how we interact with those around us. It impacts our relationships, our work, and our sense of purpose.
Jesus: The Perfect Example of Humility
If we’re looking for a model of humility, we need look no further than Jesus.
Philippians 2:5-8 (CSB):
"Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.”
Jesus’ humility wasn’t passive or weak. It was powerful, intentional, and sacrificial. Though He had every right to demand glory and honor, He chose the path of servanthood. His humility wasn’t about lowering His value or worth—it was about putting others first, even when it meant sacrificing everything.
And this is the kind of humility we are called to imitate. Jesus didn’t just give us an example to admire from afar; He invited us to follow Him on this same path. As we walk humbly with God, we embrace a life of service, where we put others’ needs before our own, and seek God’s will above our own desires.
Humility in Our World Today
In today’s political and social climate, humility can feel especially countercultural. The world tells us that strength lies in winning arguments, proving points, and asserting our rights. But walking humbly with God asks us to take a different approach.
Philippians 2:3-4 (CSB) reminds us:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.”
Humility invites us to prioritize relationships over being right. It calls us to listen to others, especially those with different perspectives, and to seek understanding rather than fueling division. In a culture where everyone is eager to make their voice heard, humility gives us the courage to listen first.
This doesn’t mean we stop standing for truth or justice—far from it. Humility is not about avoiding difficult conversations or backing down from what is right. Rather, it’s about having the strength to stand for what matters in a way that reflects the heart of Christ. Jesus Himself stood against injustice and confronted the wrongs of His time, but He did so with humility, focused on God’s will rather than His own personal agenda.
One of the clearest examples of humility in leadership comes from the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King’s leadership during the Civil Rights Movement was marked by boldness, but it was grounded in humility. He didn’t seek fame or recognition; instead, he humbly answered the call to stand for justice, even when it cost him dearly. His commitment to nonviolence and love for his enemies was rooted in a deep humility before God and a desire to serve others.
Dr. King’s example reminds us that humility doesn’t shy away from difficult decisions or challenging conversations. It means standing firm in what is right, but doing so from a place of love and submission to God.
Practical Ways to Walk Humbly Today
Walking humbly with God isn’t just a nice idea—it’s something we can practice every day. In a world where pride and self-promotion often dominate, how can we cultivate a heart of humility?
Listen More, Speak Less
Humility begins with listening. In conversations, especially when we disagree with someone, humility invites us to pause, listen, and seek understanding before responding. It’s about prioritizing the relationship over the need to be right.
Serve Others Intentionally
One of the clearest expressions of humility is serving others. Whether it’s in your family, workplace, or community, look for ways to put others’ needs before your own. This could be as simple as offering a helping hand or as significant as sacrificing your time for someone else’s benefit.
Let Go of the Need for Recognition
Humility often means doing what’s right without expecting praise or acknowledgment. In a world that values accolades, true humility finds satisfaction in pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of others.
Hold Firm to Your Convictions with Grace
Being humble doesn’t mean being passive. It’s important to stand for what’s right, but we must do so in a way that reflects God’s love and grace. Humility means we don’t need to prove ourselves or elevate our opinions above others, but we can hold our convictions firmly while treating others with respect.
Surrender to God’s Will
At the heart of walking humbly with God is surrendering our own desires and ambitions to Him. It’s about recognizing that His ways are higher than our ways and trusting that He knows what is best for us. This kind of surrender requires daily intentionality and reliance on His grace.
Next Steps:
As we reflect on what it means to walk humbly with God, here are some practical next steps to consider:
Conclusion: Walking in Humility
As we reflect on Micah 6:8, we are reminded that walking humbly with God is not just a one-time decision—it’s a daily practice that requires intentionality and grace. In a world that often prizes pride and self-promotion, let us choose the path of humility, knowing that as we do, we walk in the footsteps of Christ.
May we be a church that acts justly, loves faithfulness, and walks humbly with our God, trusting that in doing so, we reflect the heart of Christ to the world around us.
Humility, as understood in Scripture, is about seeing ourselves rightly in relation to God. It’s not about demeaning ourselves or adopting a mindset of unworthiness, but rather recognizing that all we are and all we have come from God. As C.S. Lewis wisely put it, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
This kind of humility runs contrary to the messages we receive from the world. We’re often told to look out for number one, to be self-made, and to make sure others see our successes. But God invites us to something different: a life that is marked by reliance on Him and consideration of others.
Walking humbly with God is more than just a command. It’s a way of living that transforms our hearts and shapes how we interact with those around us. It impacts our relationships, our work, and our sense of purpose.
Jesus: The Perfect Example of Humility
If we’re looking for a model of humility, we need look no further than Jesus.
Philippians 2:5-8 (CSB):
"Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.”
Jesus’ humility wasn’t passive or weak. It was powerful, intentional, and sacrificial. Though He had every right to demand glory and honor, He chose the path of servanthood. His humility wasn’t about lowering His value or worth—it was about putting others first, even when it meant sacrificing everything.
And this is the kind of humility we are called to imitate. Jesus didn’t just give us an example to admire from afar; He invited us to follow Him on this same path. As we walk humbly with God, we embrace a life of service, where we put others’ needs before our own, and seek God’s will above our own desires.
Humility in Our World Today
In today’s political and social climate, humility can feel especially countercultural. The world tells us that strength lies in winning arguments, proving points, and asserting our rights. But walking humbly with God asks us to take a different approach.
Philippians 2:3-4 (CSB) reminds us:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.”
Humility invites us to prioritize relationships over being right. It calls us to listen to others, especially those with different perspectives, and to seek understanding rather than fueling division. In a culture where everyone is eager to make their voice heard, humility gives us the courage to listen first.
This doesn’t mean we stop standing for truth or justice—far from it. Humility is not about avoiding difficult conversations or backing down from what is right. Rather, it’s about having the strength to stand for what matters in a way that reflects the heart of Christ. Jesus Himself stood against injustice and confronted the wrongs of His time, but He did so with humility, focused on God’s will rather than His own personal agenda.
One of the clearest examples of humility in leadership comes from the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King’s leadership during the Civil Rights Movement was marked by boldness, but it was grounded in humility. He didn’t seek fame or recognition; instead, he humbly answered the call to stand for justice, even when it cost him dearly. His commitment to nonviolence and love for his enemies was rooted in a deep humility before God and a desire to serve others.
Dr. King’s example reminds us that humility doesn’t shy away from difficult decisions or challenging conversations. It means standing firm in what is right, but doing so from a place of love and submission to God.
Practical Ways to Walk Humbly Today
Walking humbly with God isn’t just a nice idea—it’s something we can practice every day. In a world where pride and self-promotion often dominate, how can we cultivate a heart of humility?
Listen More, Speak Less
Humility begins with listening. In conversations, especially when we disagree with someone, humility invites us to pause, listen, and seek understanding before responding. It’s about prioritizing the relationship over the need to be right.
Serve Others Intentionally
One of the clearest expressions of humility is serving others. Whether it’s in your family, workplace, or community, look for ways to put others’ needs before your own. This could be as simple as offering a helping hand or as significant as sacrificing your time for someone else’s benefit.
Let Go of the Need for Recognition
Humility often means doing what’s right without expecting praise or acknowledgment. In a world that values accolades, true humility finds satisfaction in pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of others.
Hold Firm to Your Convictions with Grace
Being humble doesn’t mean being passive. It’s important to stand for what’s right, but we must do so in a way that reflects God’s love and grace. Humility means we don’t need to prove ourselves or elevate our opinions above others, but we can hold our convictions firmly while treating others with respect.
Surrender to God’s Will
At the heart of walking humbly with God is surrendering our own desires and ambitions to Him. It’s about recognizing that His ways are higher than our ways and trusting that He knows what is best for us. This kind of surrender requires daily intentionality and reliance on His grace.
Next Steps:
As we reflect on what it means to walk humbly with God, here are some practical next steps to consider:
- Reflect on Your Relationships: Are there areas where pride or the need to be right is getting in the way? Take time this week to reflect on how you can practice humility in your relationships—whether it’s with family, friends, or co-workers. How can you prioritize understanding and connection over winning an argument?
- Choose to Serve Someone This Week: Look for an opportunity to serve someone in a way that costs you something. It might be your time, your resources, or your comfort. How can you reflect the heart of Christ by putting someone else’s needs before your own?
- Examine Your Heart Before God: Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal any areas of pride or self-centeredness in your life. Ask Him to help you see where you need to let go of your own will and surrender to His.
- Engage in a Humble Conversation: Is there someone in your life with whom you’ve struggled to see eye-to-eye? This week, consider reaching out to them—not to debate, but to listen. Humility means valuing the person more than the argument. How can you seek understanding rather than simply proving your point?
- Pray for a Humble Heart: Finally, ask God for the grace to walk humbly with Him. Humility is not something we can muster up on our own—it’s a gift of grace. Pray that God would give you the strength to follow the example of Christ in all areas of your life.
Conclusion: Walking in Humility
As we reflect on Micah 6:8, we are reminded that walking humbly with God is not just a one-time decision—it’s a daily practice that requires intentionality and grace. In a world that often prizes pride and self-promotion, let us choose the path of humility, knowing that as we do, we walk in the footsteps of Christ.
May we be a church that acts justly, loves faithfulness, and walks humbly with our God, trusting that in doing so, we reflect the heart of Christ to the world around us.
Micah 6:8
“Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
“Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
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