07 Dec Why be Humble? Practical Advantages of Humility
In the United States of America, we value independence and self-pride, but pride is not a virtue—at least to Christians−and humans were created to live and work interdependently. We almost think of humility as a weakness, but we are more likely thinking of false modesty or of humiliation when we think that. It actually takes great strength of character to be humble. If it takes perseverance and strength of character to achieve, the American public often asks, “Then what’s in it for me?” Actually, there are great advantages to us morally, practically, and emotionally for cultivating humility in ourselves. But first, we need to understand what humility really is.
Humility is a virtue that helps us defeat our greatest natural vice: pride. It helps us control our temper, our desires, and our appetites. It puts the welfare of others before our own. In the fifteenth century classic, The Cloud of Unknowing, we find the often-quoted definition of true humility. “Humility is nothing more than an accurate self-assessment, an awareness of self as one really is. And surely anyone seeing himself for what he is must be truly humble.”
For the Christian, it is what Christ asks of us in quite a few places in the New Testament. He is very clear about how God views humility. I include only a few quotes to illustrate:
“…God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 RSVCE
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
“…in humility, value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3-4
“Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4
One of the greatest examples of living humbly in this last century was Mother Teresa. St. Teresa of Calcutta wrote of the moral advantages: “Humility is the mother of all virtues: piety, charity, and obedience. It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted, and ardent. If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed, you will not be discouraged.” Also: “Self-knowledge puts us on our knees, and it is very necessary for love. Knowledge of God gives love, and knowledge of self gives humility.”
As to the practical and emotional advantages of humility, in a 2014 study, psychologist Pelin Keseber found at least eight. I have greatly condensed this version of her findings into one sentence of phrases. A more detailed version is found in the article at:
https://www.spring.org.uk/2014/04/8-practical-ways-being-humble-improves-your-life.php
Keseber concludes: “Humble people are better able to cope with anxiety about their mortality…are better liked…more effective…exhibit higher self-control…better work performance…get higher grades…are less prejudiced…exhibit greater helpfulness…and have better relationships.”
The greatest example of perfect humility is found in Christ. Out of unearned, undeserved Agape Love for self-centered, rebellious humankind, Christ left an infinity of perfection to enter time and clothe His spirit in the restrictions of a physical human body, subjecting himself to pain and limited movement. He allowed himself, King of the Universe, to be enclosed in a single cell at conception. His growing body was nourished for nine months in the darkness of His Mother’s womb. He was born in the cold in a smelly stable, wrapped in cloths and laid in the itchy hay of a feeding trough. He depended upon his Mother or his adoptive Father to move him from place to place and clean him when he soiled his clothes. He nursed his Mom until he could swallow soft food. Is there anything more helpless than a baby? Our Omniscient, Omnipotent Lord, humbly chose to experience dependence on people of finite intelligence, modeling humility for us.
Pride says, “I did it myself.” Humility lets us admit we need God. Humility says, “Without God’s help, I can do nothing.” In a more positive way, “I can do all things in Him Who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:3