Foundational Virtue
Humility is the virtue on which all others are built. CS Lewis said this, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” We are not being asked to not think of ourselves at all, but to not forget others.
For many people, it is difficult to let go of the need to be right, have the last word or let others know how great they are. Can we look instead at the model of Jesus?
Christ did not deem equality
So beings the beautiful Christological hymn from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In chapter 2, verses 5-11 he tells us that though Jesus is the Son of God he was still obedient, even to death – for us. And because of his humility, God exalts him.
Here is the entire hymn:
“Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, ecoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phillipians 2:5-11
Jesus had humility
I think about that when I am prone to a lack of humility. I don’t have to have the last word; I don’t know everything; let someone else do it their way. It is better to wait to be asked your thoughts than to give them all the time. We know these things, and yet, we struggle. Maybe we are tired or overwhelmed and little things get to us more easily than usual. Let things go that are not harmful to you or others. And when it’s hard, come back to these verses. Because if Jesus did it, he will give you the grace and strength to do it, ask him.
Each day, pray these verses and ask Jesus to help you have humility in your interactions with others.
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