Have you ever wondered what humility might look like in an insightful, aware, gifted person? We certainly don’t benefit from doing the “aw shucks” routine that often passes for being humble.
If we’re honest with ourselves, some of us have some pretty amazing gifts and talent. The gifted can think circles around the rest of the world and still leave them in the dust. Some of us interact with the invisible and mystical as simply and naturally as if it were all perfectly tangible. And then when you throw cutting-edge creativity into the mix, some people frankly look pretty impressive.
The “I’m just humble and ordinary and nothing really special” line doesn’t really work for us. It’s not even true. (Not that it is for anyone else either.)
If we’re done with demeaning ourselves and putting ourselves down and hiding who we really are, what then is humility? If we’ve actually grown into our gifts and strengths and if we have adapted to our weaknesses, what might true humility look like?
I have a few ideas that might challenge us. These aren’t things you can capture with a quick read or even with your logical mind; instead you might want to ponder them in your heart.
- Humility deeply believes, often times entirely by faith, that other human beings are priceless in the eyes of God, designed and strategically placed on the earth as a treasure and a blessing to Him.1 Even that loud, insensitive neighbor.
- Humility discerns that the widow’s mites excited the heart of God far more than the all the generous and faithful offerings given that day.2 Therefore humility does not disregard that which clearly appears inconsequential.
- Humility accepts that the kingdom of heaven treasures our weaknesses.3 It therefore has no need to judge or to strive, and rests peacefully in grace.4
- Humility considers that one is a thread in a great majestic tapestry. It understands that the plain neutral threads are as great a contributor to the beauty, wholeness, and integrity of the piece as the brightly colored threads, the pure gold threads, or even the jewels that sparkle and catch the eye.5
- Humility comprehends that every human is given a measure of different weaknesses and strengths. Therefore, humility never uses one’s own kind – one’s natural strengths, gifts, type, or tribe – as a plumbline to evaluate or compare with another.6
I have known a few amazing people who have simply lived this way without ever identifying these thoughts. But for the gifted person, humility may need to be nurtured through lingering contemplation of such perspectives.
A New Year’s blessing toast for all sensitive and gifted Christians: Here’s to humility. May we kindly regard ourselves and others.
Blessings!
Gail Ruth
1Psalm 139, Philippians 2:3-4
2Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4
31 Corinthians 1:27, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
4Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 4:9-10
51 Corinthians 12:20-25
6Matthew 7:1-3
