Humility

Nothing gets under my skin more than individuals who feel they are entitled and ungrateful – either or, or one in the same. I seem to be a magnet for these types and I don’t know why. Both of these characteristics are counter to personal growth and appreciation for almost everything in one’s life. This morning my pastor talked about expectations and our tendency to expect too much of others – we get angry when people don’t meet our expectations. He brought a rock to service and pretended to throw it out of anger. But rocks come back to break our windows. Drop the rock, be humble and life gets better. It all rolls into respect. Which no one practices respect any longer either.

So, I can’t claim complete rights to this entire piece but I did find it and liked it. Growing in humility is a good start to knocking down entitlement and ungratefulness. And growing respect. How do you grow in humility?   

First, pay attention to your conversations.  It could be a problem if you spend more time talking and when talking, talking about yourself.  Humble people realize that other people

have a perspective and everyone has things that they are working through.  That said, try to listen more than you speak.  Remember that God gave you two ears and one mouth.  Key: Humble people spend more time listening than talking. This I need a lot of help with, but in my defense, some people ramble and have no clue about what comes out of their mouth.

Second, admit when you are wrong.  When you make a mistake, don’t brush it under the rug or deny it. Take responsibility and be honest.  Additionally, it’s helpful to look people in the eyes and be genuine when you apologize. Look into people’s eyes whenever spoken to or speaking with someone.  Key: Humble people are honest and ask for forgiveness when they are wrong.  Only God is perfect.  We all make mistakes. I do this one pretty well, making mistakes.

Third, give other people credit whenever possible.  You are rarely responsible for 100% of your success. Life is a team sport and many times other people are involved in your successes.  Key: Humble peoplegive credit where credit is due.  Acknowledge people who have worked hard or the part they played in a successful project.

Fourth, as the good gospel mentions, take the lowest seat or go last.  Try to let others go before you (e.g., when ordering at a restaurant, holding the door for others, or even speaking).  Key: Humble people let others go first because they know that they are not the most important person in the world. Unless you are a priority customer in line to board an aircraft. Look out buddy here I come! And, while I have the time. How many options can a person order with coffee when in line at Starbucks? Do they put coffee in some of those orders?

Fifth, be willing to ask for help.  You don’t have all the answers or all the gifts.  God created you with gifts, but also with gaps or weaknesses.  Therefore, you need both our Lord and others.  Gifts are to be shared.  Key: Humble people allow others to share their gifts with them and they share their gifts with others.

Sixth, compliment others often.  This moves attention away from yourself and toward others.

Complimenting others helps you recognize that other people have great qualities and/or achievements. And it makes them feel good!  A simple compliment can make a person’s day.  Key: Humble people look for the good in others and for opportunities to compliment them.

Finally, at the very least, in your prayers ask the Lord to help you grow in humility.  But be careful, He will answer this request!   Key: Just ask. Listen more than you speak.  Admit when you are wrong.  Give credit where credit is due.  Go last when you can.  Ask for help.  Compliment often.  And ask God to help you grow in humility.  My mom would say, “If you want a little honey, you have to give a little honey.” Or something close to that. Moms know best.