Growth comes from the Inner Strength of Humility

Humility is a reflection of Christ like qualities and the power of the Holy Spirit within you. “Who, being in very nature - God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8). Humility is a source of inner strength. The dictionary defines humility as being modest, not being arrogant, or rude. The meaning of humility in the Bible is putting aside your own agenda and not believing that you are superior to others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

Humility is not clothing self in an attitude of voluntary self-punishment. Humility is about maintaining respect for others. Humility is shifting the focus away from self and continually recognizing the contributions of others. But the notion of being self-effacing is one that we struggle with in our competitive culture, prescribing that we take every opportunity to blow our own horn. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). There is always a time in life’s journey when one will be in a situation of not having all the answers. Admitting your inability and seeking others' input and help requires humility.  

You cannot be real or authentic without humility. There are times when swallowing one's pride is difficult as we get caught up in a contest of perfection, each side seeking to look better than the other. As we find ourselves in such no-win situations, consider developing some strategies to ensure that the circumstances don't lead you to lose your cool. Try this sometimes: stop talking and allow the other person to be in the limelight. There is something very liberating in this strategy. Here are three magical words that will produce more peace of mind than a week of regret: "You are right."

Often we confuse humility with shyness or weakness, lacking self-assurance or courage. Humbleness is a quiet confidence without pretense or deception. It's a lack of arrogance, not a lack of aggressiveness in the pursuit of achievement. It's about being content to let others discover the layers of our talents without having to boast about them. Often, those who achieve the most brag the least, and the more secure they are in themselves, the more humble they are. "True merit is like a river, the deeper it is, the less noise it makes". The better your relationship with God, the less you have to prove.

Something happens when we approach situations from a perspective of humility: it opens us up to possibilities, as we choose open-mindedness and curiosity rather than protecting our point of view. We spend more time willing to learn from what others have to offer. We move away from pushing into allowing, from insecure to secure, from seeking approval to seeking enlightenment. We forget about being perfect and we enjoy being in the moment. There are many benefits to practicing humility: it improves all types of relationships, it reduces anxiety, it encourages more openness, and ironically it enhances one's self-confidence.

Is it so important to impose your point of view, overtaking discretion? Is your correction of others a reflection of your own needs?