“I’m proud of my humility.”
“I can’t wait until tomorrow. I get better looking every day.”
Those are more are ways we joke about humility. It is easier to joke than to be.
As I wrote yesterday, yesterday was designated Be Humble Day. That is a sticky situation. Let me just pose a question: How is one supposed know they are humble? I mean…do you do something for someone then say, “I did this because I’m being humble”? Do you look in the mirror and say, “Man, you sure are humble today”?
Someone has said,
The moment you think you are humble you aren’t.
See my point? While we may call it Be Humble Day, how do we do that? Take a look at the others. You can eat a Sticky Bun (that sort of leaves me on the sideline). You could try to swallow a sword (puns galore but I’ll resist). You could observe Valentine’s Day or Independence Day or Thanksgiving Day or Memorial Day. And you will know you did. There are certain qualifiers for you to gauge your participation.
But Be Humble Day? Hmmmm.
Take one of the greatest acts of humility ever recorded: John 13. It is recorded that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, even though He knew who was going to betray Him and even though He knew they would all run away when the heat was on. When Jesus was done, did He say, “Okay guys. I’m humble and just showed you”? No. But He did use it as an opportunity to teach His followers the simple act of washing another’s feet is a prime example of humility.
His lesson here was not washing feet. His lesson here was “serve one another.” Never think you are above someone else. Lay aside the pride and serve.
Oh…one more thing. His example of humility bore itself out a few hours later when He went to a cross.
I love the following that I have heard more than once from different sources recently…
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
Challenged by this daily.
I have heard and love that statement also Ryan. I never even thought of it. Thanks for bringing it my/our attention. And me too.
Living a life of humility is not an easy choice, but it is a choice that God has empowered us the ability to live out when we put God truly first in out lives. Whenever we put anyone or anything in front of God, our lives becomes a series of bad choices.
You are so right Gail. It is so easy to make bad choices when we fail to put God first and also live for ourselves.
I love what Ryan said here, Bill. If we find ourselves dwelling on our own problems/issues, we should change our focus to those around us.
Blessings!
Absolutely 100% agree Martha!
‘The moment you think you are humble you aren’t.’
Ain’t that the truth.
All praises go straight up to Him for any and every good thing that He’s chosen to do in our lives. To Him be the glory!
I cannot and will not disagree with that statement Linda…because it is so true.