One of the things that God put on my heart and mind near the end of the year was humility - specifically, that it was something that I needed to work on more. My solution to these sorts of things - like most things, actually - is to write about them.
The goal is to write 52 posts (one year's worth) on humility or some aspect of it. I have been freely "borrowing" memes from the Church Fathers that deal with it and will continue to do so, not just because it is good to be reminded of our history but the fact that Christians have talked about humility for almost 2000 years. Their thoughts are likely far better starting points than mine could likely be.
Writing should always serve a particular point. My point in doing this exercise is to work on my own humility by finding references to it and unpacking what it actually means to exercise it. (And also - to be completely fair - I do better when I treat something as a research project.)
It is not a popular virtue of course; it never has been. The humility of Christ and his followers were one of the more disorienting things about them in the Greco-Roman world (but we will get to that). And the risk, of course, is that by writing about it one becomes quite the opposite of being humble (which is not really the point, of course).
On the other hand, if we never think on it, speak of it, or write about it, we will never move on to practicing it. And, as Macarius the Great writes above, who would not want a life of peace, tranquility, and happiness?
Wise words. I look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandi! I am looking forward to learning about it as well.
DeleteThose not trying to achieve a life of peace, tranquility and happiness are usually those that don't have too much gray matter 'tween the ears TB.
ReplyDeleteNylon12 - I do not disagree with you and lots of people say that is precisely what they want - but by their actions they seem to completely deny that is the thing that they seek.
Delete"Of all the Christian qualities I have, humility is what I'm most proud of."
ReplyDeleteI've always liked that quote. It really sums up the battle.
Truly humble people are so winsome, such neat people to be around. When I was a young Christian, I prayed that God would keep me humble. Then I realized that presupposed I was already. I guess that's part of maturity, to see that. My prayers changed. "Lord, I want to be humble". And scripture says to humble yourself. I didn't dare ask God to make me humble.
Over time, I realized how little I knew, how weak I am, and that my breath, heart beat, abilities were His gift to me each second. How can you be proud if you can't generate anything without His grace? And if I get a bit bowed up, a quick look at a mirror reminds me of His work in my life. He is the reason I even exist.
I wonder if thankful people make up the majority of the humble?
STxAR - As C.S. Lewis famously said, we do not really know what humble people are because we looking for the wrong thing. The humble person, says Lewis, pays more attention to you than themselves; in fact, they do not mention themselves at all.
DeleteI suspect thankfulness is a niece to humility if not a sister. After all, if we are always no thankful, almost by default we are grasping to get something rather than being thankful for what we have.
'oh, what a tangled web we weave." I know this is about deception but it applies to humility, too. In replying, I am in the morass. How can I be prideful enough to think I can contribute to this discussion? Julia
ReplyDeleteJulia, it is a funny conundrum. To speak of humility means to bring the idea that we are humble into question - but without talking about it, how do we understand a thing? I suspect we do it...humbly?
DeleteI look forward to your exposition of this rare attribute. Although not included as one of the "Cardinal Virtues", it is mentioned (three times!) in the KJV bible. Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11 and 18:14. The context references acclaim, but I think it is only a metaphor, as the true benefits of personal humility are many. I also like the statement "A man may do an immense deal of good, as long as he does not care who gets the credit." (attributed to Father Strickland an English Jesuit.) My experience has been that praise of others produces immense returns! I would also like to wish you, your family and all of your readers a wonderful New Year!
DeleteSamuel - Thank you so much for the comment, and Happy New Year to you as well!
DeleteHumility and humbleness is something that I might argue is embedded in the lives of the servants of God as listed in the Bible, although to your point it is often not specifically called out.
I have always associated that quote with Ronald Reagan; I had no idea of its Jesuitical origin.
Thank you for your vote of confidence. I hope I am up to the task. But by putting it in writing, I feel like I am committing myself to trying my best.
My first thought was Mac Davis's. His song "It's hard to be humble when your perfect in every way" was a big hit. This will be an interesting subject to get into. Looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteAnon -You made me laugh because I remember when that song came out as well! Thank you for the happy reminder; I am now certain it will deserve a tongue in cheek post of its own!
DeleteA laudable goal!
ReplyDeleteThanks John! Let us hope that (once again) I have not failed to over promise and under deliver.
DeleteI look forward to this series, TB!
ReplyDelete