Humility: How to Prioritize Family Relationships

Humble pie. It belongs next to my private chocolate stash because God says this is one dish best served—to myself. 

Today, we’ll explore four aspects of humility because humility paves the way for relationship:

• Servant leadership/Christlikeness.
• Healing.
• Freedom.
• Promotion.

When someone serves humble pie to me, that’s humiliation. 

When I choose to be humble, that’s humility—and this pie hits God’s sweet spot. 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand that He may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Let’s explore 4 aspects of humility:

1. Humility and Servant Leadership: It’s Our Move

Servant leadership is just that: leadership. The verse above reminds us to “Humble yourselves.” We choose. 

I’d rather humble myself than have God do it. 

But servant leadership takes us even farther down the humility trail. Not only does servant leadership put the needs of others before our own, but it does so without expectations. 

Without hope of recognition or thanks. 

I don’t know if this challenges you, but when I’ve already given up a lot just to be there, this can be a challenge.

But humility is not something we have to grit our teeth and push through. 

We already have Jesus’s humility because the Holy Spirit lives inside us. 

I need to get my flesh out of the way so Jesus’ humility shines through. 

I don’t have to manufacture it. It’s already there. 

We serve an audience of One. He sees. He knows. And He loves our obedience. 

2. Humility and Healing: Don’t Lose the Relationship

Recently I heard the Wild at Heart podcast with John Eldredge and Allen Arnold. They discussed times when they had issues with their teen or young adult children. In each case, both dads were ready to put the hammer down—until they prayed. The takeaway from both prayers was: Don’t lose the relationship.

As the patriarchs and matriarchs, it’s all too easy to demand our own way, especially if we think we’re right. But at what cost?

Ephesians 6:4 reads, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children.” Exalting ourselves, making demands, and insisting on our rights hardens the gentlest spirit. 

Humility softens hearts and opens the door to healing when we choose to take the low road. 

 3. Humility and Freedom: Deliverance from Bondage

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand that He may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 NIV

1 Peter 5:6 tells us to humble ourselves “under God’s mighty hand.” 

“God’s mighty hand” references the deliverance of God’s people from Egypt. Deliverance from bondage. From slavery.  

From what might God release us if we humble ourselves?

5. Humility and Promotion: A Move Up

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand that He may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Promotion comes from God alone. He does the lifting. Our job? To bow before Him. 

What might that promotion look like? 

That promotion could be favor with a wayward child or grandchild. A restored relationship. A grandchild’s coming to you for advice. The possibilities are endless. 

When might it come? 

“In due time.” His time. Snap!

I can’t see the big picture, so I must wait until He’s ready. He goes before me. I must trust Him. 

Humility frees me to serve without expectations.

Humility strengthens our family, because the relationship holds priority. 

Humility makes us more Christlike.

Humility frees us.

Humility positions us for favor.

How will you humble yourself this week? How will that humility ripple through the family?

Let’s pray: Father God, humility is hard. Pride is tough to uproot, and, for me, it threatens to take over. Thank You that humility is so rarely practiced today, that when we do live it out, people notice. May we as a family learn to walk in humility together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pray about humility. Fast if needed. Let’s ask God to show us how to have the greatest impact on our kids and grandkids. Grandparents, we walk this trail together. Hang in there. 

Resources:

Scripture that Helps Grandparents

1 Peter 5:5b, 6

Ephesians 6:4

Wild at Heart podcast: Don’t Lose the Relationship

Don’t forget to check out The Kingswell Kid Detective series. Book 1, The Mystery of the Missing Falls, is available for readers ages 8-12. Kid-sized mysteries. God-sized truths.

Next week’s post: It’s in the Mail: Long Distance Grandparenting.