New Reminders: Humility

Being humble is considered a worthy position to take about one’s self, yet it does not require that we let others put us down or bully us into submission.  The only being we are to submit ourselves to, is God.  Other than God himself, we are to consider ourselves as equal to others, not superior, just equal in the site of God.  Knowing that we can never be equal to God, makes it easy to bow to Him and claim our status as servants to others less fortunate, though no less worthy of the love of God, and by extension, our love.

If we are humble, we do not think of ourselves as better than others, even though we might be better off.  We know our own weaknesses and do not boast about our strengths.  We acknowledge that we can always improve and grow, and we graciously shake the hands of our opponents and compliment them when they win.  We admit when we don't know something and when we are wrong or make mistakes.  We never display pride in our accomplishments.  We can humbly accept praise and rewards, but we should not revel in them or tease or shame others for not achieving the same.  Being humble, requires that we keep our ego in check and our manners on display.  Politely recognizing others’ accomplishments is far more important than taking credit for our own.  If you win a badge of honor for being the “most humble person” in a group.  Don’t wear the badge in public or you might have to give it back.

Jesus demonstrated humility when he washed his disciples’ feet.  When someone suggested that it was wrong for him to do what servants or slaves were supposed to do, Jesus pointed out that everyone should consider themselves servants to others.  He showed us that everyone, even the Son of God, is not above doing good for someone else, that in fact, we should gladly humble ourselves and do whatever we can for our fellow human beings.

Former President Obama demonstrated humility when he served soup at a homeless shelter. Later, he also spoke about the importance of humility when he humbly accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, saying in his speech, that compared to many others who had been award the Prize, he considered himself much less worthy of the honor.  If the Son of God and a President can humble themselves, so can we.

“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole world.”  Matthew 5:5

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10