Why Humility, People Skills, and Everyday Interactions Shape the Way We Reflect Christ
If you were given the choice to go to prom in a Corvette, a Corolla, or a minivan…
Which one would you pick?
Be honest.
Most of us, by human nature, are drawn to what looks best. What feels impressive. What elevates us.
We want the Corvette.
And while that might seem like a lighthearted question, it reveals something deeper:
We choose to build a Kingdom that centers around ourselves.
The Subtle Drift Toward “Me”
If we’re honest, we often allow pride to show up quietly in our lives.
We let it show up subtly.
In the way we:
- Want to be seen
- Want to be right
- Want to be recognized
- Want control
It shows up in our leadership. In our relationships. Even in our communication and body language.
Sometimes without realizing it, we begin choosing to build a “Kingdom of One.”
Where everything revolves around:
- My thoughts
- My perspective
- My preferences
- My recognition
And I’ll go first in admitting this…
I’ve been there.
When Ministry Became About Me
When I first stepped into ministry, I had a hard time balancing a lot of things.
I was eager to learn. Excited for opportunities. Driven to grow.
But mixed in with all of that were things I didn’t always see clearly at the time:
- A desire to prove myself
- Subtle comparison with others
- Self-righteous thinking
- A leadership style that was more self-centered than servant-hearted
I was doing a lot “for God”… but often choosing to rely on myself in the process.
It became less about being part of God’s story — and more about trying to write my own.
The Contrast: A King on a Donkey
And then there’s Jesus.
When He entered into Jerusalem, He didn’t arrive on a war horse or in a display of power.
He rode in on a donkey.
A symbol of humility. A picture of peace. A completely different kind of Kingdom.
Even on the road to the cross, His life communicated something radically different than what our world values.
Not self-promotion. Not self-protection. Not self-centered power.
But humility.
Pride Starts at the Root
This struggle isn’t new.
It goes all the way back to the beginning.
Adam and Eve stood in a garden with two trees and one choice.
And at the center of that choice was this question:
Will God be enough… or will I choose what feels right to me?
They chose themselves.
And ever since then, pride has been a root issue — a heart condition we continue to choose that shapes the course of our lives.
We may not say it out loud, but we often choose to live it:
“I want to be in control.” “I know what’s best.” “I want it my way.”
What Our Communication Reveals
Here’s where this connects in a very real, everyday way:
Our communication often reveals who we are allowing to sit on the throne of our heart.
Not just our words…
But our:
- Facial expressions
- Tone of voice
- Body language
- Reactions
We can say the “right” things, but communicate something completely different.
- A quick eye roll
- Crossed arms
- A dismissive tone
- Lack of eye contact
These nonverbal cues can communicate:
- Disinterest
- Pride
- Impatience
- Lack of care
Even when we don’t intend them to.
That’s why growing in people skills and communication skills matters so much.
Because it’s not just about effectiveness.
It’s about alignment.
Soil, Roots, and Raising the Next Generation
If we go back to the garden for a moment…
Healthy growth doesn’t happen by accident — it requires intentional choices.
There are many components that make soil fertile — carbon, nutrients, organic matter — all working together to sustain life and promote growth.
In the same way, when we are raising godly children, we are helping create the soil they grow in.
And one of the key ingredients?
Healthy people skills and communication.
Teaching preteens:
- When to speak and when to listen
- How to be aware of what their face and body communicate
- How to show respect, empathy, and care in how they interact
These aren’t just social skills.
They are discipleship tools.
Because they shape how others experience them — and ultimately, how they reflect Christ.
This is the kind of intentional investment that biblical worldview for kids is built on, and it starts with the adults in the room.
From a Kingdom of One to the Kingdom of God
We are called to something higher — and we have to choose to live that out.
Not to build our own kingdom…
But to live as ambassadors of His.
To reflect Christ in:
- Our words
- Our posture
- Our presence
- Our interactions
That takes intentional, daily choices.
It takes choosing humility.
It takes a willingness to ask:
What am I actually communicating to others?
And even deeper:
Who is this really about — me, or Him?
A Humble Invitation
One night in a small group, a parent was asked:
“What do you hope for your kids someday?”
Their answer was simple, but powerful:
“That they would have a humble heart.”
Because humility changes everything.
It shifts the focus. It softens our communication. It opens the door for love, growth, and connection.
A Question to Carry With You
What does your communication reveal about your heart?
Because people don’t just hear what we say…
They experience what we reflect.
Ready to Grow in This Area?
If you want to grow in your people skills, communication, and Christ-centered leadership, and become more intentional in how you influence the next generation, I’d love to help.
Part of raising godly children is doing the inner work ourselves first. Explore more Christian discipleship resources and coaching tools built for families in the preteen years. Learn more here.