What is humility? There is a popular misconception that it means a man believing himself to be intellectually inferior or physically unappealing. But the reality of the matter is that having such low confidence in oneself does not amount to humility at all. That is a falsehood. In fact, continually remaining in such a poor emotional state comes from an addiction to pity. Knowing what humility is and putting that correct understanding into practice is a foundational aspect of having a relationship with God. Knowing what humility is and putting that correct understanding into practice will shape how we regularly conduct ourselves.
True humility involves people not making themselves the center of attention. It entails people not doing good deeds just to be seen of men, but for the genuine benefit of others. It necessitates people doing good for the sake of goodness, not to bolster one's own ego. It means putting other people before ourselves. It entails that a person not overestimate his or her own abilities. Humility requires self-discipline. Humility requires self-sacrifice. Humility is required in order to be a truly virtuous person. This characteristic de-emphasizes the self (not implying that the individual is unimportant, as one must be able to assist self before he or she can do the same for others).
Another element worthy of discussion within the context of humility is that we as human beings have a tendency to compare ourselves to other people. If we discover that we have greater talents than somebody else, then we are prone to develop a triumphalistic attitude. We become puffed-up. If we find out that somebody else has greater talents than do we, then our sense of dignity is prone to be injured. We become jealous and angry. Our feelings are hurt. In either result, this notion of people comparing themselves to others is spiritually detrimental. It is rooted in fleshly lusts. It is a hopeless attempt to find a reason to preserve arrogance. But God is perfection. If we truly wish to better ourselves, then we must turn to Him and make great efforts to follow His perfect moral example. We must allow Him to transform our hearts. We should use whatever gifts that God has bestowed upon us in a manner that glorifies His eternal name.
Having a heart and mind consumed by arrogance is a dangerous thing. If a person does not humbly submit to God, then how can he or she recognize the need of salvation? In remaining prideful, individuals essentially make themselves their own gods. They are essentially saying that God is unnecessary. That is idolatry. Pride is the root of evil. Pride is injurious to relationships with family and friends. Pride is inherently destructive.
True humility involves people not making themselves the center of attention. It entails people not doing good deeds just to be seen of men, but for the genuine benefit of others. It necessitates people doing good for the sake of goodness, not to bolster one's own ego. It means putting other people before ourselves. It entails that a person not overestimate his or her own abilities. Humility requires self-discipline. Humility requires self-sacrifice. Humility is required in order to be a truly virtuous person. This characteristic de-emphasizes the self (not implying that the individual is unimportant, as one must be able to assist self before he or she can do the same for others).
Another element worthy of discussion within the context of humility is that we as human beings have a tendency to compare ourselves to other people. If we discover that we have greater talents than somebody else, then we are prone to develop a triumphalistic attitude. We become puffed-up. If we find out that somebody else has greater talents than do we, then our sense of dignity is prone to be injured. We become jealous and angry. Our feelings are hurt. In either result, this notion of people comparing themselves to others is spiritually detrimental. It is rooted in fleshly lusts. It is a hopeless attempt to find a reason to preserve arrogance. But God is perfection. If we truly wish to better ourselves, then we must turn to Him and make great efforts to follow His perfect moral example. We must allow Him to transform our hearts. We should use whatever gifts that God has bestowed upon us in a manner that glorifies His eternal name.
Having a heart and mind consumed by arrogance is a dangerous thing. If a person does not humbly submit to God, then how can he or she recognize the need of salvation? In remaining prideful, individuals essentially make themselves their own gods. They are essentially saying that God is unnecessary. That is idolatry. Pride is the root of evil. Pride is injurious to relationships with family and friends. Pride is inherently destructive.
