Merriam-Webster defines humility as "the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people"
I've always held to this definition of humility. Furthermore, I have aimed at being (or becoming) more humble based on what Scriptures calls me to;
1 Peter 5:6; Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
Philippians 2:3-11; Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
James 4:6; But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Matthew 23:12; Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
The faith family that I serve in Robinson encourages me regularly, bringing compliments and praise. Just Sunday morning I sat in a Bible study with a dozen others as the leader stated how much they appreciated my leadership and teaching at the church.
Often I brush these comments off and quickly point out how this is "not about me" but instead it is "all about Jesus" and "our" service to Him.
Yet on Sunday I was brought to tears through this kind woman's compliment. In humility I do not consider myself "better than other people".
Why would others praise me for my service when we are all serving The Lord together?
This thought remained with me throughout the day and into the evening. As I sat in the sound booth late Sunday afternoon, preparing for our evening worship service the question struck me, have I gone beyond the call to humility to a point of valuing myself, my leadership, and the call God has given to me? Perhaps it sounds strange, but I asked, "Am I becoming too humble?" and wondered if too much humility could be deleting God's call for me to lead effectively.
The Oxford Dictionary defines humility as a "low view of one's own importance".
With this definition of humility we may see how humility can be a deterant to leadership and it may cause a person to assume less responsibility for their role as a leader and become less accountable for the failures - and even victories - of their leadership decisions and actions.
I desire to be humble as a servant of Jesus Christ, called by God and empowered by His Holy Spirit. And while it is my belief that I can do all things (only) through He who strengthens me, giving Christ all the glory, honor, and praise, I never want to allow my humility become such that I have a low view of God's importance for and His call on my life.
In the same way, I invite you to take an inventory of your own humility. Are you a humble person? Would others, who know you well, call you humble? Do you have a high view of God's importance for your life? Are you honoring this through your thoughts, words, and actions?
Consider this quote by Christian author C.S. Lewis; "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."
