Humility

Humility

Social Application

    We all live in this type of society where everyone always practices 'self-glorification.' We're plagued with the mentality that we must showcase the best of who we are to people so that we can feel better of ourselves. It is the essence of individuality that feeds on the saying "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." This means that we must create attention to ourselves so that others will notice us and like us. As humans, we're all social animals, so it's almost automatic and innate within us to thrive to be liked by others. But sometimes we do this too much and we end up obtaining self glorification at the expense of others.

    Today, we will discuss what it means to be humble and why we should practice humility.

What are the characteristics of a humble person?

A humble person is:

• Someone who is not being arrogant and/or conceited.
  
• Someone who does not try to make himself look better than others.
  
• Not threatening or challenging another's rights, or claiming more for yourself than has been allotted to you in life.
  
  • There are some who think they know better than others.
    
• One who puts work for the glory of God without expecting anything back.
  
  • No pats in the back, no gratification from others, and no collecting of complements.
    
• One gives honor to others rather than drawing attention to one's self
  

In contrast, the non-humble person is one who:

• Attempts to better himself at the expense of others.
  
• Tries to acquire more than others (money, honor, power).
  

Why should we practice humility?

• By humility, we acknowledge that God created us for his purposes and not for our self-glorification.
  
• By humility, we acknowledge the dignity of all God's people.
  
• By humility, we cool the angry passions of others.
  
• By humility, we can turn enemies into friends.
  

    Acting with humility does not necessarily mean we have to deny our own self worth. Rather, it gives us the opportunity to be OF EQUAL to all persons around us.

• It is not intended to interfere with our own success. Rather, it prevents us from obtaining wealth, power, and higher status at the expense of others.
  

  
   

• Humility is the quality that lets us go more than halfway to meet the needs and demands of others.
  

How do we obtain humility?

 

The Golden Rule

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

 

• "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (NIV, Luke 6:31-35)
  

 

• We actually need to distance ourselves from our abilities and pretend not to have them, or that they are not that great after all! One great example is that of Mama Mary. Some of you may remember from your Marian Retreat Class that Mama Mary was already born with the ability to speak. But because of her great humility, she chose to reserve her ability and kept quiet until she was of age.
  
  • Another instance that Mama Mary showed great humility was when after the resurrection of Christ, the gates of heaven opened up for her and her son, Jesus Christ offered her the chance to be with Him in heaven right there and then. But because she was so humble, she turned it down and told her Son that she wants to die naturally just like He did.
    

    
     

• You must learn to put others before yourself. To serve God with humility is serving Him before you serve yourself.
  

  
   

• Always maintain the mentality that whatever you do, you do it for the glory of God."
  

  
   

• The greatest act of humility is when you try to love your enemies more than those who already love you.
  
  • "There is a saying, 'Love your friends and hate your enemies.' But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"
    
  • "If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even scoundrels do that much. If you are friendly only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even the heathen do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (TLB, Matthew 5:43-48)
    

Discussion

• Reflect on these scriptures regarding humility and interpret it in your personal lives.
  

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 14:11)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than your selves. (Philippians 2:3)

Proverbs 16:19 - Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.