True Humility
True humility doesn’t mean humiliation.
Real humility is when I recognize who I am, for all my strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.
I call it being “right-sized”.
Not Better Than
If I’m humble, I don’t think I’m better than anyone else.
And if others aren’t as skilled, being humble means I don’t belittle them.
If I were to denigrate them, not only is that not being humble, it means I’m arrogant, critical, judgmental, and downright mean. And I definitely need to ask God to take the “ugly” out of my soul.
Not Less Than
If I’m humble, I don’t feel humiliated or less than or worthless because of my weaknesses and limitations.
I can practice and improve. But even if practice doesn’t result in improvement, true humility means I’m okay with how and who I am. And if I’m not “okay” with being me, then I need to ask God to change me in the ways He wants.
False Humility
False humility can mean I suffer humiliation — and I might deserve it.
One of the ways I engage in false humility is people pleasing.
I might not even realize (or at least want to acknowledge) that I’m falling into that unhealthy trap.
But if I do something for someone, or accomplish some feat, and others don’t give me the level of recognition and praise I expect, I’m hurt. And it’s very easy to let that hurt fester into resentment.
They didn’t “ooh and ahh” and tell me how great I am. They didn’t thank me enough. They didn’t…they didn’t…they didn’t.
When I wind up saying, “They didn’t…”, it’s a sure sign that my “humility” is registering on the false end of the spectrum. And once again, I need to ask God to change me so I can be who He wants.
Showing True Humility
Showing humility means I treat myself and everyone else with respect and kindness.
And I give the service I can to help others — regardless of how the world views them — or how the world views me.
How do you define — and show — true humility?
Humility or Humiliation…How do you define and show true humility? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
I appreciate your wisdom and insight in regard to this message. I think most of us can see ourselves in some of those categories of humility (or lack of it). I’m thankful for the patience of our loving Father who helps us “think less of ourselves.”
Thank you for reading and sharing, Katherine. I’m grateful for God’s help to be right-sized.
I think you gave the best steps on how to be humble. I struggle with people pleasing as well. I love your conclusion “Showing humility means I treat myself and everyone else with respect and kindness.” Great Post!
I’m glad my post was helpful, Jane. Thanks for reading.
Great post, Joni.
Thanks, Phyllis. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
It’s necessary to fight the very human drift toward self-importance and pride.
Thanks for reading, Tim. Yes, I need to ask God’s help to His part, and His help to do my part, too.