C.S. Lewis once said,
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
How often we all struggle with our own pride. To assert that we have no pride is in itself prideful. Now, I don't personally know of a single individual who thinks that their opinion, point of view, beliefs, and generally speaking, their actions, are wrong. We could all agree that if someone thinks that their own opinion, beliefs, etc are wrong that this particular individual might need to be checked in to a mental institution. I would argue that pride in its essence, or purest form, is simply thinking to highly of oneself or of ones own actions, thoughts, or beliefs. The issue with this is that someone, if not most people, if not you and I, will eventually have to admit that our position may have been wrong. What's most important is how we will handle ourselves knowing we have done or said wrong. Pride is knowing this and refusing to change and apologize, and right what was wrong. The difference between truly "repenting" or just feeling bad, saying sorry, and continuing in our sin against others or God.
As of late, one passage of scripture that has been challenging me regarding humility is found in Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV) “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 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.”
The NIV says v.3 “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”
So, back to C.S. Lewis’ quote, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” If I could add at all to this wise mans words I might say, True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less, but also, to think more highly of others. Maybe now would be a good time to stop and consider my actions and my opinions of others. Maybe I should value them and their opinion at the same level I value my own. Did Jesus himself not say to “love your neighbour as yourself?”
Feel free to share your thoughts, beliefs and opinions in the comments; I promise I will do my best to practice what I preach.
