Loving God, Equipping People, Mentoring Leaders, Reaching Nations
Christian Humility
C.S. Lewis stated, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” A good thought to dwell on for most Christians who, I am afraid, often spend a lot of time not only thinking about themselves but talking about themselves.
I believe humility is an essential quality for anyone who calls themselves a believer. And, a definite must for any Christian leader. In his book “Good to Great,” Jim Collins called this “a compelling modesty.” He write:
“We were struck by how the good-to-great leaders didn’t talk about themselves … When pressed to talk about themselves, they’d say things like, ‘I hope I’m not sounding like a big shot.’ It wasn’t just false modesty. Those who worked with or wrote about the good-to-great leaders continually used words like quiet, humble, modest, reserved, shy, gracious, mild-mannered, self-effacing, understated, did not believe his own clippings; and so forth.”
As a person of faith, I see humility as making the everyday choice to credit God for my blessings and to credit others for my successes. How would you describe it? Pastor Rick Warren said, “Humility is not denying your strengths. Humility is being honest about your weaknesses.”
No matter who you define humility, know that it means three things. First, you possess self-awareness and can criticize yourself. Second, you are confident and comfortable enough that you don’t feel any need to draw attention to yourself. And third, you revel in the accomplishments of others and are eager to help them shine.
Proverbs 15:31, 33 states (English Standard Version) “The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honour.”
The Passion Translation states it this way:
“Accepting constructive criticism opens your heart to the path of life, making you right at home among the wise. The source of revelation-knowledge is found as you fall down in surrender before the Lord. Don’t expect to see Shekinah glory until the Lord sees your sincere humility.”
Humility is the key to wisdom and understanding. It is key to growing in the Lord. And, it is key to being a good believer and a terrific leader. Not to mention, being a good friend to others and having solid friends who will stand with you through life.
