“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
– C.S. Lewis-
Many people will think that humility is a show of weakness, of being submissively meek and quiet. In fact, it is the exact opposite because only emotionally and mentally strong, confident people who believe in themselves will be able to practice humility. With an increase in narcissism amongst our entitled youth, it is therefore important for our society to teach humility.
Scientists are discovering the quality of humility and why it is good to cultivate it. It is deeply revered by all spiritual traditions.
True humility is being willing to give up everything that comes from within me in order to be obedient to God, and do His will. True humility is the attitude that I can learn from Jesus: “Not My will, but Yours be done.” Luke 22:42
Choosing to do my own will – living according to my own desires, reasonings, and opinions – rather than God’s will, is PRIDE. Choosing that over God’s will is essentially saying that I know better than God. This inevitably leads to the works of the flesh.
Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Why is humility good?
Someone who radiates humility, see and accept their own strengths and limitations without defensiveness or judgment. They cultivate powerful compassion and empathy for humanity. This kind of self-acceptance emerges fro
m grounding one’s worth in our intrinsic value as human beings rather than on superficial and materialistic standards. Instead, humble people place a high value on more meaningful relationships. They also see life as a school, recognizing that while none of us is perfect, we can, without negatively impacting our self-esteem, work on our limitations by being open to new ideas, advice, and criticism. When we gain control of our ego: we become less likely to act aggressively, manipulate others, express dishonesty, and destroy resources. Instead, we take responsibility for and correct our mistakes, listen to others’ ideas, and keep our abilities from a humble perspective. Humble people handle stress more effectively and report higher levels of physical and mental well-being. They also show greater generosity, helpfulness, and gratitude —all things that can only serve to draw us closer to others. Humility does not come naturally to most people. It can be cultivated and incorporated into our daily lives so much so that it will always be an extension of our being.
Cultivating Humility
Cultivating humility, as they say, is not for the faint-hearted nor does it appear overnight. One of the great rewards of humility is inner freedom from having to protect those parts that we try to hide from ourselves and others. In other words, we develop a quiet, understanding, and compassionate heart.
True humility defined
True humility is to bow myself to the Spirit’s leading, and the result of this will be that I bear the fruit of the Spirit. I can think that I have some good ideas, some wisdom, some intuition, all human traits, which are not wrong in themselves. But I have to bring them into subjection to God’s will, when “my plans” are at odds with God’s will.
True humility in simple things, for example, maybe I really want to tell someone off. My human wisdom tells me that they deserve it, even that they need to hear what I have to say for their own good. But the Spirit points out that it’s actually because of my own ego – the sin in my own flesh – that I am tempted to respond in that way.
Then I have a perfect opportunity to humble myself and give up my own will. Instead, I can respond with love and goodness and see positive effects.
Choosing to submit and be obedient is the definition of true humility. To admit that I do not know what is best for myself. Only God knows that, and He will reveal that to me when I seek His guidance.
But humility does not mean that I should be timid and inactive. I am to be an instrument of righteousness in God’s hands. I can’t do that with my own “wisdom,” but when I give that up, then God can impart His wisdom to me and use me as necessary for His work. The key is to do what God requires of me and submit to His will. “All that you say to me I will do.” Ruth 3:5
This is humility. People with a proud attitude never hear God speaking to them because He resists the proud. But those who are humble, and with an upright heart want to know God’s will in order to do it, receive grace and God can speak to them.
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4
#humilitymotherofallvirtues #humility
