The word that keeps popping into my mind lately is humility. It seems like such a strange virtue, one that doesn't come easily or naturally. It takes work, but it is something I believe we can all try to cultivate.
I'm not sure why it keeps coming to mind, except that I don't think I have been the epitome of humility lately. When I'm busy, I lose patience easier. People around me irritate me either with their actions, their attitudes or their words. I am quick to think, "that person is so stupid.," "What's wrong with him?," or "Why would she do that?"
On the surface it seems like I'm just a girl with a hidden mean streak, but really the heart of the issue is humility. This attitude shows that I think I am better than the person at the other end of these thoughts. I am not. We were all unique creations from the same Creator, and I have my own flaws and make my own mistakes. I often don't hold myself to the same high standard I seem to be looking for in others. I'm working on trying to remember these things when I get upset.
Humility is also hard to manage at this time in my life because I still get many compliments on how I look or how I've changed. Honestly, I love these and treasure them in my heart, but I don't want to become dependent on them or train myself to seek them out. I don't want my happiness tied to them. How do I humble myself in the midst of the praise?
And what about the flip side of humility, pride? Pride is an obvious sin, but is it okay to have some pride in how I look and how far I've come? If so, where does that line fall?
These questions are more just questions for my self, things I think about, although I would love any thoughts you have on the subject.
i have a couple of friends who are the sweetest, humblest, least prideful people i have ever met. i seek out their advice on things like this whenever i feel like i'm just not being the person i want to be. for me, some things just need to be learned by example...
ReplyDeletefor what it's worth, the blog doesn't come across as boasting or prideful :) lots of humility here!!
The bible says to think of others as better than yourself. I used to think that meant that I needed to be LESS than others. That I needed to not let the things that were special or different about me show.
ReplyDeleteThat just isn't right, though. When we think of others as better than ourselves, we give them the grace and mercy that we would like to see extended towards ourselves.
The things that you do and have accomplished are FANTASTIC and worthy of praise. You don't have to downplay your uniqueness make yourself less of a star in order to be humble.
Shine, Jill, you were born to. Love others, you were made to. Honor God, you are born to.
xoxo
The line comes in also being able to see how far other people have come, and rejoicing in that with them, and in remembering that they, like you, are fearfully and wonderfully made. ~
ReplyDeleteWith regards to yourself and your own personal accomplishments, I think that it's best to always (whenever possible) give credit to God. It's hard to try and go into a whole schpiel about Jesus when someone says in passing that you look great, but it is easy to let onto it when you are having more than a passing conversation with someone.
ReplyDeleteWhen we compare our accomplishments in light of what Christ has done, they are drastically pale in comparison...and rightly so. Always maintaining that sense of "I can and I have done it not on my own strength, but His" may help to overcome when you feel prideful.