Humble Beginnings: Three Ways to Stay Rooted in Humility

Starting a business is both thrilling and overwhelming. The plans, strategies, and opportunities seem endless, and it’s easy to believe that success rests solely on our shoulders. But Scripture reminds us that no matter how flawless the business plan, polished the product, or large the following, if God isn’t at the center, it won’t last. Paul encouraged the Philippians to be of the same mind as Christ - to live and lead from a place of humility.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

For the Christian entrepreneur, humility isn’t optional; it’s the foundation. Our skills, profits, and even our opportunities are entrusted to us by God, and when we begin with humility, we build more than businesses… we build legacies that honor Him.

Here are three ways to stay rooted in humility from the very beginning.

1. Reliance on the Almighty

The early decisions you make in business set the tone for everything that follows - your priorities, your values, even your long-term success. Humility means slowing down, praying for discernment, seeking wise counsel, and submitting those decisions to God rather than rushing forward in pride.  Proverbs reminds us…

“The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 15:33)

True humility is not weakness, but a strength that shapes our character and opens the door to honor. When we willingly admit that we don’t have all the answers and turn to God for His wisdom, He not only provides direction but also surrounds us with the respect and trust of others. Humility allows us to live with open hands, ready to receive guidance, and it becomes the very path through which God exalts His people.

In contrast, pride always leads to downfall, because it blinds us to our own weaknesses and tempts us to rely solely on ourselves. We don’t have to look too much further into Proverbs to hear that… several times.  Pride convinces us that success is earned by our own strength, yet it leaves our foundations fragile and unstable. Humility, on the other hand, creates space for God to work - it acknowledges that every good thing comes from Him and invites His hand to steady and strengthen what we are building. So let humility guide your business choices – defer to Him.  Whether it’s how you set prices, choose clients, and shape your strategy, allow God’s wisdom, favor, and protection to cover every decision you make.

2. Acknowledging Your Limitations

One of the hardest lessons for new entrepreneurs is admitting you can’t do everything alone. There’s freedom in confessing our limitations, because it opens the door for God’s strength to shine through our weakness. Recognizing our limits is not failure - it’s wisdom. Paul echoed this in Philippians when he spoke of his own trials, reminding believers that even in struggle, God’s purposes are fulfilled.  And when we experience trials, it’s best to acknowledge your limitations.  This keeps you teachable, dependent on the Lord, and open to learning.

In business, this looks like being willing to say, “I don’t know yet, but I’ll find out,” or, “This is outside my expertise, and I need to find someone who can help.” It’s this posture of humility that God honors and uses for growth.

We were not created to build alone, and asking for help from trusted partners, consultants, or mentors is both wise and biblical. Proverbs 15 sets side by side the rewards of wisdom against the losses of folly.

“A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.” (Proverbs 15:5)

“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)

A foolish person views correction as an insult instead of an opportunity to grow. This leads to repeated mistakes, broken relationships, and eventually destruction. In contrast, someone who listens to corrections and learns from them shows practicality. This prudence is more than knowledge - it’s the ability to apply wisdom in real-life decisions. Receiving advice (and possibly criticism) with humility means you value growth more than pride - you value His mission more than your own.

In practice, this may mean leaning on other professionals such as financial advisors, consultants, or an industry mentor; even outsourcing parts of your business may be needed (like hiring bookkeepers, IT technicians, advertising firms, and more).  That’s not failure, it’s wisdom. God has given each of us unique gifts and talents, but He has not equipped any one person to do everything. When we try to carry out every task ourselves, pride and exhaustion creep in. But when we acknowledge our limitations and allow others to offer guidance and help in the areas outside our strengths, we create room to focus on what God has specifically called and equipped us to do.

3. Remember the Role You Play: Managing What God Has Entrusted

Above all, humility means remembering that your business, your profits, and your opportunities belong to God. He has entrusted them to you for a time, not to build your name but His kingdom.

In Luke, chapter 16, we are told the "Parable of the Dishonest Manager", a showing of mismanagement by one left in charge.  This parable is a reminder that we are managers - not owners - of what God has entrusted to us. Your finances, your connections, your opportunities, and your influence are not your own; they are gifts from God to be stewarded for His purposes.  The dishonest manager used his position for selfish ends, but Jesus’ lesson points us to use our resources with wisdom, integrity, and eternal purpose.

In business, that means practicing stewardship in both big and small ways: earning and handling profits with integrity, respecting clients with honesty, treating employees and partners fairly, and remembering that money is a tool, not a master. our businesses must serve God’s glory, not our own gain. When that’s your foundation, your humble beginnings can grow into a testimony of God’s faithfulness. With humility as its root, it can grow into something that brings not just success, but eternal impact.

Reflection and Prayer

Humility in business isn’t weakness - it’s wisdom. When we ground our decisions, our profits, and our partnerships in humility, we remind ourselves that every good thing comes from God. A business led with humility not only honors Him but also blesses others and builds a legacy rooted in faith, not pride.

Lord, thank You for entrusting us with the work of building a business. Keep our hearts grounded in humility as we make decisions, face limitations, and seek counsel. Remind us daily that the profits, the opportunities, and the people in our paths are gifts from You. May we steward them well, use them for Your glory, and always walk in the humility of Christ. Amen.