O Lord it's Hard to be Humble

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"True humility never thinks of humility" Molinos

Self-control or prudish? Good student or 'teacher's pet'? Collaborative or a weak leader?

True humility is silent about its own existence. It's up to the observer to decide.

In a 2014 study (Kesebir, 2014) the author offers a definition.

“Humility involves a willingness to accept the self’s limits and its place in the grand scheme of things, accompanied by low levels of self-preoccupation.” (Kesebir, 2014).

Some of the benefits she lists are; accepts their own mortality, collaborative leaders, high level of self-control, less prejudice, helpful, excellent work habits, and solid relationships.

I am, by nature, an observer of my fellow human beings. Also, by nature, I judge their motives. It's easy to mistake humility for any number of negative things. Pride colours deductions. It's so easy to become offended if I perceive someone may be more mature. So often I've missed the quiet lesson of true humility.

Molinos compares true humility to false humility as an inward knowing to an external showing.

Examples of external showing are: taking the lowest place, being quiet, speaking submissively.

But aren't those all examples of true humility?

Yes, but only with the right inward motivation.

He goes on to show the external attitude that turns these acts false: humping the shoulders, sighing effectively, speaking of your own faults and calling yourself miserable.

Molinos explains the difference. "False humility belongs to those who avoid esteems so that they may be taken as being humble. True humility never thinks of humility. They do not care to be thought of well by the world and are content with what God gives them."

There's the crux. They don't care what others think.

If I had the elixir to irradiate the fear of man (disproportionate need for the approval of others is only one face of the fear of man) I would surely be rich. I would also experiment on myself first. But, as with most solutions, I find the way in God.

1. Discover the greatness of God's grace

2. Discover the reality of the devastation of sin on my soul

3. Fall on God's grace daily

This is a life long, minute-by-minute, marathon of truth finding. It's also possible. True humility is the result when I see my true self in the eyes of God's love and grace.