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How to be Humble
Old Mr. Webster defines Humble as: 1 : not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive 2 : reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission <a humble apology> 3 a : ranking low in a hierarchy or scale : INSIGNIFICANT, UNPRETENTIOUS
Ah! Humility...
A virtue desired by many, but lost by most. Our lives, driven by success, short on time and long on talk, leave us little time to reflect and be humble. I believe this is how we so often lose the concept of humbleness in our own lives. That is why it is so refreshing when we do come across someone who is humble and Godly. Inside our hearts we secretly wish to be more like them. Then, just as fast as it comes, we're tossed back into the rat race, we lose the goal and once again boast of our accomplishments.
Let's take a look at those who are humble. You'll find a few humble folks... They are often athletes, intellects and leaders. A common trait they share because they strive to be champions.
Let's see what God and the Bible teach us about being humble:
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their Land. 2 Chr. 7:14
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide The spoil with the proud. Prov.16: 19
And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be Humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled: Isa. 5: 15
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the Same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18: 4
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall Humble himself shall be exalted. Matt. 23: 12
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4: 10
Being a humble person often exceeds the expectations of others and ourselves. God gave us a natural desire to survive. We know to run from danger, threats and anything that might cause us death. We live to thrive and reproduce our species. We reach out to take everything for ourselves. What we don't do "naturally" is be humble.
I believe that is why when we find a person who is indeed humble and willing to share what he or she has, we are surprised and then pleased.
The greatest champions are leaders, and you'll find the best of them are humble. They realize that to do truly great things, they have to be able to laugh at their own mistakes. They must humble themselves before God and others. This applies to all leaders equally... Athletes, religious and business.
A humble person can take bad luck much better than a person less humble. Have you ever noticed that people from poverty can take a loss better than a person of wealth? Poor people expect their luck to be bad and know how to deal with life when their luck changes.
Humility is the beginning of knowledge. If you say that you know nothing about God but would like to know about HIM, you are on your way to gaining knowledge. You will feed your mind and you will be grateful for that knowledge and you will continue to seek more knowledge.
If you say that you know nothing about God. That you have no desire to learn about God because you are afraid that you might not understand the knowledge you receive. You will be miserable if you don't even try to gain such knowledge. You are "suffering" from low esteem... Not humility.
A humble person says "I will do the best I can to learn".
A humble person says "I will serve others".
A humble person says "I desire wisdom and will seek it out".
A humble person says "I am grateful for all I receive and all that God gives me".
A humble person says "I lack knowledge and will seek to always learn Much more".
A humble person says "I will never be aggressive toward others".
A humble person says "I will put my family first and support them in all that they do".
A humble person says "I will love God with all my heart and recognize that God will lead them me to truth and knowledge".
There you have it! Another lesson with tips to help you along your way in your journey to be a great champion. I hope you're enjoying the series and will be back tomorrow with a lesson and wisdom on adaptability. Your humble and inspiring friend,
-- ©2007 Tim Levin
