The Things That Do Not Define Us
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” — James 4:6 NIV
To be humble is to recognize that our possessions, achievements, and abilities do not make us more important than anyone else. Humility does not mean thinking poorly of ourselves. It means remembering who God is, and understanding that everything we have is ultimately a gift from Him.
I was in my mid-forties when my life took another turn. My family had lived near my parents for several years, but we decided it was time to move so our children could be closer to their school, friends, and community.
Moving meant leaving the street where I had grown up and selling a house we had watched become a beautifully charming home. Now, it would no longer be ours to nurture and love.
The house was filled with personal touches. My husband had transformed the backyard with a putting green, a batting cage for the boys, and a fire pit. He had also brought his vision to each room he could to make it our home. He may not call himself a builder like his father and uncle, but he has incredible vision and does beautiful work.
Letting go was humbling.
We had invested our time, energy, creativity, and love into that house, but it had never truly belonged to us forever. Houses change hands. Families move. Children grow. Beautiful things we once believed we would keep eventually become part of someone else’s story.
The truth is newness eventually wears off. Material things, even our homes, can make us feel special, successful, or important for a season. Just like a new car, beautiful home, impressive title, or personal accomplishment may attract attention, but none of those things can provide lasting value or define who we are.
Humility reminds us that our worth does not come from what we drive, where we live, what we own, or how others perceive us. Our worth comes from being children of God.
I have not always been humble; and I am sure you have not either. We are human. I am sure there are plenty of stories from my younger years that demonstrate the opposite! Even now, I sometimes want recognition for what I have accomplished, created, or contributed. But God continues to remind me that my gifts are not meant to elevate me above others. They are meant to serve Him and the people He places in my life.
Humility does not require us to hide our gifts or deny the good work we have done. It asks us to acknowledge where those gifts came from and use them with gratitude.
We can appreciate a beautiful home without allowing it to become our identity. We can enjoy a fun car without believing it makes us more valuable. We can celebrate our abilities while remembering that God is the One who gave them to us.
Remember, the house will eventually belongs to another family. The car eventually loses its shine. The applause eventually fades.
But a heart grounded in God remains secure because it no longer depends on possessions, praise, or attention from others. I believe that God shines through us when we stop asking, “How can people notice me?” and begin asking, “How can my life point people toward Him?”
Questions to Ponder
When have possessions, accomplishments, or recognition made you feel more important than others?
Is there something temporary that you have allowed to become part of your identity?
Can you receive a compliment without allowing it to define your worth?
How can you use one of your God-given gifts to serve someone else?
What would humility look like in your life today?
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for every gift, ability, opportunity, and possession You have entrusted to me. Forgive me for the moments when I have looked to temporary things for importance or allowed pride to influence the way I see myself and others.
Teach me to be humble without diminishing the person You created me to be. Help me enjoy Your blessings with gratitude, hold them with open hands, and use them to serve others.
Remind me that my worth does not come from what I own, accomplish, or receive from other people. My worth comes from belonging to You.
May my life draw attention not to me, but to Your goodness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Share Your Joy Today.
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