Something to think about: Someone has said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
There is most definitely some truth to that. Proverbs 29:23 says, “Pride ends in humiliation, while humility bring honor.” When speaking to the proud and spiritually, self-righteous, arrogant Pharisees, Jesus said, “The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Mt. 23:11-12). And, of course, I think most of us are familiar with the words “Pride goes before a fall.”
Humility is not an easy virtue to see, nor is it an easy one to manifest. One can’t go around saying or thinking, “I’m humble” because that defeats the whole thing. 🙂 I read that the Hebrew word for humility literally means “being aware of and comfortable with your place.” I like that because it says, “Where I am, there I am. I’m content with my space and don’t want yours.”
In the book of Genesis we find the story of the tower of Babel. In 11:4 they say, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous… (emphasis mine). It made them famous alright, just not in the way they thought or wanted. They should have stayed content in their space.
Today’s challenge: Don’t think less of yourself. Think of yourself less. See how it turns out and let me know.
{Note: All Scripture verses are from the New Living Translation}
Such a great and true observation, Bill. Not thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. I’ll take that to heart!
Blessings!
I see you as an example of this Martha.
I like the Hebrew translation of humility. It’s important to be humble and to realize our lives are not all about us, and the world does not center around us. Our lives all about serving, prasing, and honoring, and worshiping God. Jesus showed us and taught us that His life was about His Father in Heaven. If Jesus who was perfect, could humble Himself to God, we who are far far far from perfect, need to take that lesson to heart.
I loved that translation as well Gail. Made a lot of sense. Besides, I want to be like Jesus.