Biblical Answer

The role of humility in the face of pride and success is multifaceted. On one hand, humility is a virtue that recognizes one's limitations and weaknesses, whereas pride is an inflated opinion of oneself. As the Bible teaches, God himself is the ultimate example of humility, and we are called to follow in his footsteps. Humility is not about having a low opinion of oneself, but rather about having a realistic assessment of who we are and where we stand in relation to God. It involves acknowledging our spiritual and moral bankruptcy, and relying on God's resources and evaluation. In contrast, pride is a lie that distorts reality, making us adopt an inflated view of ourselves and our abilities. It is a sin that can lead to a hardened heart and a lack of dependence on God.

Humility is essential in the face of pride and success because it helps us to remain grounded and focused on our relationship with God. When we are proud, we tend to rely on our own strength and abilities, rather than on God's power and provision. Humility, on the other hand, reminds us that we are dependent on God and that our success and achievements are not solely due to our own efforts. It is a virtue that is deeply connected to our existence as creatures, and it involves a willingness to forgo our own rights and interests for the sake of others. As Andrew Murray points out, humility is not just about thinking "I'm no good," but rather about recognizing our limitations and weaknesses, and relying on God's resources and evaluation.

In the face of pride and success, humility can become a cloak behind which people hide their apathy. However, true humility is not about being apathetic or passive, but rather about being committed to truth and willing to adjust our theological understanding or moral judgments accordingly. It involves a willingness to learn from others, to acknowledge our mistakes, and to rely on God's guidance and wisdom. As the Bible teaches, humility is a Christlike attitude that involves a readiness to forgo one's own rights and interests for the sake of others. It is a virtue that is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity, and it is a quality that we should strive to cultivate in our lives. By embracing humility, we can remain grounded and focused on our relationship with God, and we can avoid the dangers of pride and arrogance.