Humility

In our class we are going through the book 'Mere Christianity' by C.S. Lewis. We were covering the chapter on Pride, and since Humility is the opposite of Pride I asked my class what they first thought of when they think of a 'humble' man. Some of the responses included 'meek', 'weak' and 'low self-esteem'. I must admit I think the same way. When I think of a humble man I think of a man with his head down, unwilling to accept praise or congratulations. It just goes to show what a distorted view of 'humility' we really have.

For us to understand what true Humility really is, we first have to understand Pride. Pride is all about self. I can do it, I'm better than you, I deserve it, I'm a good person. As C.S. Lewis says, it's the complete 'anti-God' state of mind. God absolutely hates and opposes Pride.

I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. - Proverbs 8:13

God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. - James 4:6

Why does He hate it so? Because as long as 'self' is on the throne of our lives we cannot know Him. It is the greatest barrier to a relationship with Him. So how do we overcome Pride and find Humility within ourselves? Well, first we have to realize our own bankruptcy. We have to truly understand that I can't do it, I'm not better than you, I don't deserve it and I'm not a good person. The scriptures call this a "broken and contrite heart". We have to see ourselves for who we really are, which then allows us to see God for who He truly is. We have to depose 'self' as the ruler of our hearts and replace it with God. Then and only then can we practice true Humility.

What will that humility look like?

Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.” - C.S. Lewis

Do we know what true humility really is - or do we only know how to "act" humble? A truly humble person will not be thinking about acting humble - he will not be thinking about himself or humility at all. He will only be thinking about his Savior, and his glory will be in Him.

But “he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. - 2Corinthians 10:17-18