Beneath the Surface: The Hidden Gems of Humility
Humility. Some say it's the most important of all virtues. I don't know if it's the most important, but it's vital for all areas of life. When I say "humility," what is your first thought? One way to define humility is "not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less." In his classic work on humility, Andrew Murray says, "Humility is nothing but the disappearance of self in the vision that God is all." In another place, he says, "Humility is the displacement of self by the enthronement of God." I bring up the topic of humility because it is an unspoken and unrecognized virtue when it comes to repentance, turning to God, and experiencing seasons of refreshing.
Pride is the opposite of humility. It will not admit its insufficiencies, will do almost anything to keep itself hidden, and steadfastly believe that worth, value, and significance are only experienced through accomplishment, achievement, and the elevation of self. Repent? Pride has no reason to repent. Return to God? Of course not. Pride does not need God. However, humility maintains our value as image bearers of God while lowering and surrendering ourselves to God and others. An attitude of a healthy and well-grounded person is humility.
Here are ten conclusions I have learned about humility.
A person with a humble heart and attitude will approach relationships, conversations, difficulties, and opportunities as a learner.
A person with a humble heart will have a teachable attitude.
A person with a humble heart will admit their mistakes, wrongs, failures, and sins without blaming another.
A person with a humble heart lives with an attitude of gratitude.
A person with a humble heart attracts the graceful, enabling work of King Jesus.
A person with a humble heart will work hard, admit mistakes, encourage others, receive criticism, and deflect praise to establish and protect relational connections.
A person with a humble heart is secure in the love and identity of King Jesus. Therefore, personal and professional accomplishments are gifts from God done for the glory of God.
A person with a humble heart will forgive others and maintain healthy boundaries in relationships until trust is established and verified.
A person with a humble heart is willing to receive compliments, gifts, and encouragement from others because they know King Jesus wants to affirm his children.
A person with a humble heart trusts that King Jesus and their relational community will give them healthy, constructive, and life-giving feedback.
The scriptures teach that we can ask God for all things, so it's common to hear people ask God to give them humility. I also remind us to "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you" James 4:10 NIV. Choose humility. Choose love. Choose to add value to others.