Humble Thoughts, part 2
In part one of this reflection, I noted that humility is basically an honest response to the truth—both the good and the bad—about you. This means that the good is not exaggerated and the bad is not minimized. But it also means that the bad is not exaggerated and the good is not minimized.
As I am using the terms here, truth has regard to the facts of the case, but honesty deals with the state of the heart. I can speak truth and not be honest. For example, it is quite possible that I might admit to having certain faults but only because doing so makes me look humble. The admission may be true, but it is not honest. I have not embraced the truth in my heart in order to change. I have only used it to bolster my image. On the other hand, I could speak the truth about my accomplishments with a heart full of pride. In this case the dishonesty is in my failure to acknowledge the Source of my success.
So, how do you know whether or not you’re truly humble? The answer is deceptively simple. You know you’re humble when you no longer have to try to be! That an effort is required to be humble may be evidence of pride in the heart.
When someone compliments me on something I’ve done, I don’t have to self-consciously deflect it with awkward disclaimers like, “Oh, it’s not me; it’s the Lord.” I can simply say, “Thank you!” Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that I shouldn’t give God the credit, but I am saying that I can feel in my heart when the attempt to do so is either hypocritical (trying to appear humble) or forced (trying to push down the pride I feel rising up).
Now, occasionally people will go overboard in complimenting me. When that happens, I feel it is necessary for their sake to remind them of the Source of my gifts. Indeed, underlying their compliment may be the thought that, since they are not as exceptional as they think I am, they could never be used of God like I am. In this case, my reminder of God’s gracious gift in my life is intended to encourage them that if He can use me, He can use them as well. He is no respecter of persons.
In my final installment, I will look at how we can become humble. I hope you will return.
March 11th, 2014 at 8:57 am
I like what you said about truth and honesty. There is a great distention between the two. Those that are not honest about their successes or failures seek attention and honour by different means.
On another note. I don’t like when spell check takes the old school “u” out of words like honour and colour.
March 11th, 2014 at 2:38 pm
sometimes when someone states or overstates their humbleness when one receives compliment, they may not be pushing down pride but in effect comes from insecurity in oneself , I believe to accept what the Lord has bestowed in us with giftings should be celebrated, the hardest part is to believe in those giftings in oneself first.
March 11th, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Something to ponder. Welcome to my blog!
March 11th, 2014 at 2:50 pm
In the meantime, we keep our eye on the destination so that we are heading in the right direction.