Humility
continued from Page 1
The concept of humility needs re-defining. Humility may bettereen as the capacity and willingness to do what needs to be done. Rather than seeing it as mannerisms or the way a person looks, humility has to do with one’s capacity to move into places where help is needed.
The basic definition of the word may include “not thinking of yourself as greater than others.” But this would not call for looking in a certain way, appearing abashed or like you had no confidence. It is more likely to be pride, rather than humility, that causes one to hang back, keeping one’s thoughts, ideas and questions in reserve. What we often regard as sweet humbleness may in fact be self-centeredness. A reluctance to speak up may in fact be a fear of what others might think of us: wanting to avoid being regarded as bold or brash. That’s self-centeredness—not a praiseworthy form of humble self-abasement.
True humility is not excessively preoccupied with self and having to look good or appear humble in a traditional sense. True humility can look bold, assertive and self-confident, even when the person doesn’t feel that way at all. This is possible because humility doesn’t worry about appearances.
A humble person is not afraid to ask “dumb questions”. He doesn’t have to already know everything. He dares to ask a person’s name when he has forgotten it rather than act as if he knows it. She is willing to ask about delicate issues, like a death in the family, even if others avoid such topics. He mentions the smudge on another’s face instead of letting it stay there.
Jesus was humble. He didn’t withhold himself. He stepped up to meet the needs of humanity at great cost to himself. He gave what he had rather than protecting his reputation or his skin. He walked away when there was need sometimes, because he was tired. He confronted a woman’s unseemly marital history instead of winking at it. He spoke up boldly, and at other times remained silent when he could have benefited his safety by speaking. At times he was furious and made it clear.
At other times he was let down and disappointed and said so to his disciples. Humility was necessary to boldly face evil because humbleness is the willingness to fight what needs opposition rather than being concerned with simply protecting oneself. Certainly there is a time to speak and a time to be still but humility weighs the challenge and makes a choice to do one or the other. They who always hang back are most likely overly protective of themselves; a form of self centeredness or pride.
Example #1:
I once asked a group for a volunteer to play the piano for our opening devotions. No one moved. Finally I saw a nudge and a young woman was coaxed forward. She played superbly. Why had she resisted? I assume she felt that was the humble way to act. Reluctance was regarded as pious and gracious. But she was mistaken. Humility is stepping forward when there is a need—ignoring public opinion.
Example #2:
A seminary student explained to me that his gifts for ministry did not include visiting in hospitals. He wanted to be excused from that duty. He was not excused and proved to be rather effective at this kind of work. He admitted later his reserve was based on his concern about looking weak in this form of ministry. This is a common condition but those who fear looking bad neglect much care to the wounded or grieving. Humility moves in anyway.
When it comes to Care and Kindness, those who spread such goodness are the humble. Everyone carries a reservoir of positive thoughts, reactions and qualities. Smiles, touch, compliments, appreciation, encouragement are part of each of us. They who distribute such gifts, giving of their time and energy to bless others, are humble people.
• They risk rebuff or embarrassment by greeting strangers.
• They gift those who are expecting nothing.
• They praise those who can give little in return.
• They resist staying in their comfort zone and they reach out to others.
• They even reward those who have everything.
As we grow in awareness of the unquenchable thirst of others for love and we diminish in our own self-consciousness, we are becoming more humble (if we then give, sprinkle, spread and send encouragement, kindness, support and blessings to those we meet and know.)
The more we give, the better our world will be and we in turn will reap bountiful rewards.
So consider what is needed. Realize the hunger and thirst for affirmation in every living soul, and step up and give what you have been keeping inside. Boldly! Obediently. Then you are a humble soul.
