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Humble Yourselves

             Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10)

 

C. S. Lewis wrote that humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less. I both agree and disagree with this. I agree that thinking less of yourself is still focusing on yourself, so it’s not being humble. However, I’ve heard a story about some men who were so determined not to look at a woman and lust that they blindfolded themselves or closed their eyes rather than looking – and walked into walls or fell downstairs. If you don’t think of yourself at least a little, you will likely do yourself harm.

So, one can be humble and consider the fact that it’s been some time since breakfast, and lunch might be a good idea. One can be humble and recognize that the cut on one’s arm needs attention. One can also recognize these same things in someone else, and one is humble if one thinks of both in the same manner. Someone can also consider one’s own ability to hit a series of notes in comparison with someone else and recognize that one either does so better or not as well – and if one doesn’t perceive oneself as better or worse than the other as a result, one is humble. When the estimation of talent/skill is wrong or when value and status are connected to the judgment, trouble begins.

            Sadly, trouble with ego sneaks in even when you’re trying to do good. Let's just say that I feel compelled to step in when there is (in my opinion) a problem, especially if no one else seems to be doing so. "Sigh, I guess it's up to me to try to save the day/fix the problem/work things out..." That's not humbleness.

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