The term "humility" comes from the Latin word humilitas, a noun related to the adjective humilis, which may be translated as "humble", but also as "low", "from the earth", or "humid", since it derives in turns from humus (earth).
Because the concept of humility addresses intrinsic self-worth, it is emphasized in the realm of religious practice and ethics where the notion is often made more precise and extensive.
"True humility" is distinctly different from "false humility," which consists of deprecating one's own sanctity, gifts, talents, and accomplishments for the sake of receiving praise or adulation from others.
Do you remember that uncomfortable feeling when you were in the presence of someone who was seeking attention and praise through the use of false humility?
We all seek some measure of recognition for the work that we do. How, then, do we meet our Christian mandate to be humble?
Humility in Christianity
Legitimate humility comprises the following behaviors and attitudes:
Submitting to God and legitimate authority
Recognizing virtues and talents that others possess, particularly those that surpass one's own, and giving due honor and, when required, obedience
Recognizing the limits of one's talents, ability, or authority; and, not reaching for what is beyond one's grasp. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humility
Humility is not for the timid, as a matter of fact it is difficult to be truly humble.
An example of Christian humility can be found in Moses .
Moses, who leads the nation of Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt and to the “Promised Land”, provides an example of true humility which is a sign of Godly strength and purpose, not weakness. Of this great leader, the Bible states, “(For Moses was a man exceeding meek above all men that dwelt upon earth)" Numbers 12:3,
Jesus provides a parable which demonstrates the benefit of humility.
7When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable:
8"When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.
9If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.
10But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests.
11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:7-11 (New International Version)
The vices opposed to humility are:
(A) pride (by reason or defect).
(B) an excess of humility, “false humility” could easily be derogatory to one's office or holy character; or it might serve only to pamper pride in others, by unworthy flattery, which would occasion their sins of tyranny, arbitrariness, and arrogance.
The virtue of humility may not be truly practiced in any external way that would occasion vices in others
Amongst the benefits of humility described in the Bible are honor, wisdom, eternal life, unity, and rewards in heaven .
In the Bible, an exhortation to humility is found in Philippians 2:1-4 (New International Version)
Imitating Christ's Humility
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Also in 1 Peter 2:23 (New International Version)
23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
To get in touch with your true self, one has to kill the ego. Remember that The Way is always simple, but not always easy. (The Bible Promise Book.)
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
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