Learning to have humility and self-awareness.

In Luke 18:9-14, we read the parable of the two men who went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Verse 9 states that Jesus told this parable “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and who looked down on everybody else.” 

The parable is among the many passages in the Bible that address humility which is not a popular topic these days. This ancient virtue clashes with current cultural values of self-worth and self-realization and accompanying narcissism. 

A Christian view of humility over the centuries has not always offered what would be seen today as an emotionally healthy attitude toward the self or way of functioning in the world. Being weak and self-effacing, demonstrating a low opinion of oneself, having low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence are not appealing to our modern sensibilities. Foster sites a document titled “The Litany of Humility”, written in the early 20th century, much of which is disturbing to me and evokes ambivalence in Foster! 

By contrast, we are coming to realize that current narcissistic attitudes and behaviors of specialness, entitlement and individualism so prevalent in our culture are not healthy. Self-aggrandizement in any form does not fit with a humble way of being. We are realizing that much of our present societal, cultural and environmental problems stem from our lack of humility, from our unwillingness to share the spotlight, to live cooperatively in community and to honor and cherish the natural world and its wisdom.

So what is humility? It’s the ability to view yourself accurately as an individual with talents as well as flaws while being void of arrogance and low self-esteem. This is being really honest with oneself. We accept and are comfortable with who we are, as we are. We don’t see ourselves as better than or less than anyone or anything else. We are not to think less of ourselves, we are to think of ourselves less. Humility makes us less self-centered. We assess ourselves honestly and accurately, not denying the good and beautiful people we are, nor denying our mistakes, flaws and weaknesses. We are openly happy for and compliment others for their accomplishments. We are able to receive compliments graciously, without deflecting or downplaying. We are all beloved children of God, “fearfully and wonderfully” made. We are all unique, unrepeatable and loved as we are. We need not deny or downplay our gifts nor inflate or exaggerate them in order to be enough and acceptable. We know our place in the universe. We are a part of creation, just like all other creatures and living things. Humility is an ongoing practice of self-awareness and vigilance. 

·       Place yourself in God’s presence. Give thanks for God’s great love for you. 

·       Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life. 

·       Review your day — recall specific moments and your feelings at the time. 

·       Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Were you drawing closer to God, or further away? 

·       Look toward tomorrow — think of how you might collaborate more effectively with Spirit. Be specific. 

Be strong enough to learn humility. Be courageous enough to learn humility and be compassionate enough to learn humility.

Support the show

Support us here:
https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/

BPC Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch