Humility is not optional if we want to become more like our Father in Heaven. It is foundational. We cannot skip it, work around it, or replace it with talent, discipline, or effort. At its core, humility is about recognizing our dependence on God—and choosing to rely on Him rather than ourselves.
Is God Demanding Obedience?
God does not ask for obedience because He wants control. That idea misunderstands His nature. God Himself embodies perfect humility. His power, patience, and love flow from that humility.
He wants to give us everything He has. He wants us to become like Him. But that transformation can only happen through Jesus Christ. It requires acknowledging a difficult truth: on our own, we are lost. Without the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we cannot make it.
Jesus Christ as the Perfect Example of Humility
Jesus Christ showed us what perfect humility looks like. The Son of God—who possessed the power of creation—came to earth and suffered. He was betrayed, mocked, tortured, and killed.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, He submitted completely to the will of the Father. He took upon Himself the pain, sins, and suffering of all God’s children. That submission was not weakness. It was humility in its purest form.
What Humility Really Means
The Book of Mormon speaks about humility with striking honesty. Alma taught:
“It is well that ye are cast out, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is because ye are compelled to be humble that ye are made wise.”
Sometimes humility comes because we are compelled. Life humbles us through failure, guilt, loss, correction, or hardship. In those moments, when we realize we cannot do this alone, something powerful can happen.
Alma continues:
“Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled.”
Being compelled to be humble can be a blessing—but choosing humility before life forces it upon us is even better.
When Life Compels Us to Be Humble
Being compelled to humility can take many forms:
- Guilt after sin
- Being caught doing something wrong
- Failure or loss
- Sickness or physical weakness
- Poverty or loss of security
- Correction or rebuke
Each of these moments presents a choice. Do we soften our hearts and turn to God? Or do we harden ourselves and pull away?
Why God Allows Weakness
The book of Ether offers profound insight:
“If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble.”
God allows weakness not to shame us, but to shape us. Weakness creates space for humility, and humility is essential to becoming like Him.
Alma’s Story of Compelled Humility
Alma’s own life is a powerful example. He openly admitted that he went about seeking to destroy the Church of God. Then God intervened.
An angel appeared—not gently, but with a voice like thunder. The earth shook. Alma and his companions fell to the ground. Alma was confronted with the reality of his rebellion.
He later described his anguish:
“So great had been my iniquities that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.”
For three days and three nights, he was consumed by pain and remembrance of his sins.
What Gives Me Hope
Then everything changed.
Alma remembered Jesus Christ. In that moment of complete humility, he cried out in his heart:
“O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me.”
That cry changed everything.
“I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.”
Humility led Alma to Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ led him to peace.
Choosing Humility Before We Are Forced
Not every experience will look like Alma’s, but everyone will face moments that humble them. Trials, mistakes, and weaknesses are unavoidable.
Would it be better to choose humility early? Yes. Would it be better not to sin? Of course. Would life be easier without pain? Absolutely.
But these experiences may be part of the plan. God gave us this life to develop faith, gain a body, build families, and learn humility.
Humility Is the Beginning of Transformation
Alma taught that those who believe and humble themselves without being compelled are truly blessed.
Humility is not about shame. It is about transformation. It opens the door to repentance, healing, and peace.
When we humble ourselves, we connect with Heaven.
As Alma reminded his son:
“Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions.”
An Invitation
Every verse shared here comes from the Book of Mormon—another testament of Jesus Christ. It teaches humility, repentance, and peace.
If you want to learn more, you can receive a free copy of the Book of Mormon. Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are happy to bring you a copy and answer your questions.
Visit scripturedelivery.com to request one.
As you read with an open heart, you may discover—as so many have—that humility truly is the beginning of transformation.
