Serving God Humbly
Serving God Humbly as Imperfect People
“and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. ” — 1 Peter 5:5b
Serving God alongside others is one of the greatest privileges of the Christian life - but it also comes with its share of challenges. Recently a fellow Christian confided in me that they were having difficulty serving in a ministry area with another person. As we talked about the situation, it became clear that the struggle with this fellow believer was not over a matter of faith, but rather differences over the approach to the tasks they both had volunteered to do.
This is not uncommon in church or in other areas of life. Personality clashes, differing perspectives, and human flaws can make working together difficult. Yet, God calls us to serve with humility, knowing that it is He who works through us, not our own strength or perfection. We cannot escape the fact that we are not perfect people, and neither are those we serve with.
These situations can often lead to pridefulness, so, how do we cultivate humility as imperfect people serving together? Here are some words of wisdom from scripture.
Acknowledge Your Imperfections
The first step toward humble service is recognizing our own brokenness. No one is immune to weakness or sin. Paul reminds us, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23). Admitting our flaws doesn’t disqualify us (or others) from serving - it qualifies us to serve with grace. This self-awareness helps us avoid becoming judgmental or overly critical of others. It shifts our focus from self-righteousness to dependence on God. As Paul says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain;” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
When we understand that any success in ministry comes from God’s hand, we can serve without pride. James 4:6 reminds us, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Let’s not be people who serve for applause or to always be right, but rather humbly rely on grace for every task.
Embrace a Servant’s Heart
When we think about humility, it’s not just about how we view ourselves - it’s also about how we treat others. Jesus is our perfect example: “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28). Though He was God, He knelt to wash the feet of His disciples (John 13:12-15), showing us that no task is beneath the humble servant.
Philippians 2:3-4 urges us, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of other.”
When we prioritize others (even the difficult ones) humility will begin to shape our attitudes and actions. Whether we are leading a ministry area or cleaning up after an event, we should do it with a willing heart and an eagerness to serve.
Every Believer Must Extend Grace and Mercy
Working with imperfect people requires patience and grace - just as others must offer the same to us. Colossians 3:13 instructs us to do the following: “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
It’s tempting to grow irritated with those who fall short, make mistakes, or handle things differently. But humility softens our hearts and leads us to show compassion. Ephesians 4:2 encourages us to walk “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” God’s grace has covered our own weaknesses - how can we not extend that same grace to others?
Trust in God’s Power
Serving with humility means letting go of the illusion of control. We often want to dictate outcomes or take credit for victories, but God calls us to trust His sovereign work. As Paul learned, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Our limitations (and those of others) are not hindrances - they are opportunities for God to be glorified. When we rely on His strength, we witness victories that could never come from our own efforts.
Rather than forcing our plans or preferences, we should stay open to God’s leading in difficult situations. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
A Humble Attitude Needs to be Cultivated
Humility isn’t a one-time choice—it’s a daily mindset. A daily prayer asking God to continually shape your heart and attitude can change your perspective for He promises us in James 1:5; “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Practicing gratitude is another key to humility. When we thank God for the privilege of serving and the people He places in our lives, we guard our hearts against entitlement and frustration. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Finally, never forget your position: you are a servant of the Most High God. Everything you have - your gifts, your opportunities, your influence - is from Him. 1 Corinthians 4:7 asks, “and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?”
Our lead scripture with Peter’s words to, “and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” means that humility is an intentional choice. Just like how you chose what you were going to wear today, choosing to “clothe yourself” in humility is a daily decision.
Father, I thank you for the grace you have shown me. I have sometimes been that difficult person whose pride gets in the way of serving humbly. Remove my pride and change me into someone who puts others first even when they are hard to work with. Help me remember we are all broken people, yet You choose us to serve together for our good and Your glory. Amen
Credit: Ron Kelley
“and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. ” — 1 Peter 5:5b
Serving God alongside others is one of the greatest privileges of the Christian life - but it also comes with its share of challenges. Recently a fellow Christian confided in me that they were having difficulty serving in a ministry area with another person. As we talked about the situation, it became clear that the struggle with this fellow believer was not over a matter of faith, but rather differences over the approach to the tasks they both had volunteered to do.
This is not uncommon in church or in other areas of life. Personality clashes, differing perspectives, and human flaws can make working together difficult. Yet, God calls us to serve with humility, knowing that it is He who works through us, not our own strength or perfection. We cannot escape the fact that we are not perfect people, and neither are those we serve with.
These situations can often lead to pridefulness, so, how do we cultivate humility as imperfect people serving together? Here are some words of wisdom from scripture.
Acknowledge Your Imperfections
The first step toward humble service is recognizing our own brokenness. No one is immune to weakness or sin. Paul reminds us, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23). Admitting our flaws doesn’t disqualify us (or others) from serving - it qualifies us to serve with grace. This self-awareness helps us avoid becoming judgmental or overly critical of others. It shifts our focus from self-righteousness to dependence on God. As Paul says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain;” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
When we understand that any success in ministry comes from God’s hand, we can serve without pride. James 4:6 reminds us, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Let’s not be people who serve for applause or to always be right, but rather humbly rely on grace for every task.
Embrace a Servant’s Heart
When we think about humility, it’s not just about how we view ourselves - it’s also about how we treat others. Jesus is our perfect example: “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28). Though He was God, He knelt to wash the feet of His disciples (John 13:12-15), showing us that no task is beneath the humble servant.
Philippians 2:3-4 urges us, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of other.”
When we prioritize others (even the difficult ones) humility will begin to shape our attitudes and actions. Whether we are leading a ministry area or cleaning up after an event, we should do it with a willing heart and an eagerness to serve.
Every Believer Must Extend Grace and Mercy
Working with imperfect people requires patience and grace - just as others must offer the same to us. Colossians 3:13 instructs us to do the following: “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
It’s tempting to grow irritated with those who fall short, make mistakes, or handle things differently. But humility softens our hearts and leads us to show compassion. Ephesians 4:2 encourages us to walk “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” God’s grace has covered our own weaknesses - how can we not extend that same grace to others?
Trust in God’s Power
Serving with humility means letting go of the illusion of control. We often want to dictate outcomes or take credit for victories, but God calls us to trust His sovereign work. As Paul learned, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Our limitations (and those of others) are not hindrances - they are opportunities for God to be glorified. When we rely on His strength, we witness victories that could never come from our own efforts.
Rather than forcing our plans or preferences, we should stay open to God’s leading in difficult situations. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
A Humble Attitude Needs to be Cultivated
Humility isn’t a one-time choice—it’s a daily mindset. A daily prayer asking God to continually shape your heart and attitude can change your perspective for He promises us in James 1:5; “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Practicing gratitude is another key to humility. When we thank God for the privilege of serving and the people He places in our lives, we guard our hearts against entitlement and frustration. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Finally, never forget your position: you are a servant of the Most High God. Everything you have - your gifts, your opportunities, your influence - is from Him. 1 Corinthians 4:7 asks, “and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?”
Our lead scripture with Peter’s words to, “and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” means that humility is an intentional choice. Just like how you chose what you were going to wear today, choosing to “clothe yourself” in humility is a daily decision.
Father, I thank you for the grace you have shown me. I have sometimes been that difficult person whose pride gets in the way of serving humbly. Remove my pride and change me into someone who puts others first even when they are hard to work with. Help me remember we are all broken people, yet You choose us to serve together for our good and Your glory. Amen
Credit: Ron Kelley
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