Humility Is More Than Just Not Being Proud

Have you ever met a humble person? It is such a joy to have a friend like that. Not quick to get angry, quick to smile, and not selfish are some of the traits they have. In fact, their facial expression looks different. It is as if peace and sincerity radiate from them. 

Then a question arose in my heart. Is humility only that far? Is it enough simply not to be proud and selfish? Or is it far deeper than that?

Am I Humble? According to the dictionary, a humble heart is an attitude of not being proud and not being arrogant. 

People who are not proud or arrogant like to greet and respect others. Not putting themselves first, being modest, without any desire to be greater than others. 

Previously, I felt that I had those attitudes. If that was so, then I was a humble person, but was that really true? An experience eventually taught me about true humility.

Here is the story. I worked helping at my older sister's shop. We had worked together for years, so our relationship was quite close. One day, a misunderstanding happened between the two of us. I felt upset, and negative thoughts began to arise. As a result, our working relationship grew worse. I even thought about no longer helping her.

However, at that very moment I felt that my heart was not right. I was harboring annoyance toward my sister. Even though I kept working, that irritation stayed with me. I let that irritation remain and did not want to change. 

That was when I realized it. My irritated attitude and unwillingness to forgive made me not humble. Being humble is not only about not being proud or putting others down, but also being willing to admit our mistakes and change.

Humility in 3 Steps

It took time for me to realize this. It was indeed not easy, but in the end I left my hardness of heart and repented. As a result, I was able to help my sister with joy, without envy or irritation.

How could I change? Realizing the following three things helped me become humble.

1. Do Not Think Yourself Higher

As human beings, sometimes we feel greater than others. We feel more knowledgeable, wiser, more everything. 

By contrast, the Lord Jesus showed a different attitude. He is the Lord who owns all things. Yet He was willing to empty Himself of His status and power, and allowed Himself to be insulted and crucified. He did all this out of love for us all.  

What is strikingly different is shown by our Lord , Jesus Christ. Though He is the Creator God and Owner of all things, He instead humbled Himself, laid aside His power, and was willing to be insulted and crucified. If even our Lord was willing to be humble, why are we as human beings not?

Philippians 2:6-7 who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be held on to, but emptied Himself and took the form of a servant, becoming like men.

When we follow Jesus' example, we are able to admit our mistakes and shortcomings. In the end, it also becomes easier for us to become better people.

2. Do Not Be Hard-Hearted and Change Quickly

Sometimes, it is hard for us to realize when we have done wrong. Or, we realize that what we did was not good, yet it is hard to change. I used to be like that.

Returning to my problem with my sister. When I quarreled with her, it felt hard to change. I felt like I wanted her to know what it felt like to be hurt. However, after reflecting a little, I realized there was no point in behaving this way. Slowly, I tried to change and act rightly. That realization was what finally led me to repent.

Proverbs 28:14  Blessed is the one who always fears the Lord, but the one who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

Being able and willing to change as soon as possible will keep us from many problems..

That is what the Lord desires. To do that, we need to look at ourselves and reflect on whether the attitude we choose is right before God. 

3. Resolve Problems Promptly

Holding grudges and bottling up problems are signs of not being humble. This reflects an inability to forgive, and letting resentment rule over us.

What does the Bible say about this? 

Matthew 5:23-24, Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come back and offer your gift.

From the verse above, we learn to resolve problems immediately. Why? We learn to forgive, and forgiving requires humility.

When there is a personal problem with someone, make sure your heart remains right. Do not become negative and judge that person. Invite that person to talk privately, then express what you feel with love. 

Making sure our heart is right is the proper step toward having a humble attitude.

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Becoming humble is indeed not easy. It requires self-denial and a willingness to listen to other people's advice. True humility is an attitude of recognizing our mistakes, being willing to see the Lord's will, and changing quickly.

I believe each of us can become a humble person. We will become people who value others. We will be happy in carrying out our work and responsibilities. Why? Because we do all of it to please and glorify our Lord.

Related Articles:

• 5 Reasons Why You Should Forgive as Soon as Possible
• Low Self-Esteem vs Humility: How Do You See the Boundary?
• The Thin Line Between Spiritual Pride and Being Right Before God
• What Kind of Heart Does God Desire?
• Bitterness and Deceit: Two Dangers Lurking in the Heart