Humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself or even abasing yourself.
Humility is about knowing who you are.
In his writings in ‘Introduction to a devout life’, St. Francis De Sales teaches on the virtue of humility. He shares thoughts on this that strike me as I reflect upon his words. Maybe because this is a struggle of mine. He says…
“On the contrary, a lively conscience of mercies received makes us humble, for such knowledge gives birth to gratitude. He is with us is not of ourselves or of our strength; we shall rejoice in it certainly, and rejoice because we have done it, but we shall give the glory of it to God, Who is its author. Thus, the Blessed Virgin declared what great things God had done in her, but only in order to humble herself and exalt Him. “My soul magnifies the Lord…He is mighty and done great things to me. Luke 1:46-49”
To refuse God’s gifts is pride. Under the pretense of humility and abasement, a soul who refuses the grace given by God dies in his own pride.
The humble soul accepts great accomplishments and even acclaim in humility as a grace of God in order to give God glory.
I struggle with vainglory and pride, a dangerous duo. False pride can rear its ugly head within both and either of these sins. Many times, in fear of allowing pride to come up, I’ve declared how my accomplishment was nothing – even verbally pointing to God. I’ve learned of the false humility and that (for me) it is better simply to say thank you to the person and in my heart give God His due.
All my accomplishments are impossible if not for God. I’ve led prayers with groups, presented before thousands, ran ministries, led Bible studies, started and transplanted ministries, evangelized God’s love and mercy to strangers, I’ve served God as His ministry, written and book and now over 2,500 posts on The Road of Faith. I could easily grin proudly in the mirror at all I’ve done. But, I know the man in the mirror, the man behind those eyes. I can’t look in those eyes and say, “look what I’ve done.” I know the introvert and sinner. But, I also know what God has done and is doing in me. I give Him glory. And I strive to do more. If I exalt Him in my actions – knowing the impossibility of them – I give Him glory.
As Mary rejoiced that “all generations” would call her blessed, she gave that praise to God for what He accomplished and will accomplish in her. It’s ok to be praised, just be sure inside that you know to Whom belongs the glory. And, give it to God.
So, at the risk of pride – I ask you to make a list of what you’ve done for God. Note how He has made each possible. Ponder on your reaction when someone praised your feat, or even, when no one did. This is a complex exercise to align your heart to God’s. Through struggles and even prideful falls, to learn to give Him the glory even while you stand on the stage with all the lights and eyes on you.
As Mary did, I exalt in the Lord, My God, for He has done marvelous things through me. I did nothing but say yes.
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’” – Luke 1:46-55
Really needed that today thanks, brother.
This is my constant struggle – funny the more I claim God’s power and presence in these successes, the more they become mine and more I become prideful