Humility by Samuel Y. of Zambia
Humility is perceived as the quality of having a modest or low view of one’s importance. This perception is sometimes misleading and therefore, it is important that we ask the question, what does the phrase “having a low view of one’s importance” really mean? That phrase suggests laying one’s preferences aside for the sake of the other. We normally tend to put our preferences first. It is human to want my needs sorted out first before other’s needs. Therefore, to be humble entails that we are deliberate about thinking of others first and our preferences second. It is important to admit from the onset that this idea of thinking about others first is the greatest test that we are faced with as beings. Given a chance, we all choose ourselves before others.
No wonder, scriptures call us to a place where we can have a mindset shift. I suppose the aspect of becoming a Christian points us to this radical shift in the way we think and behave (1. Chronicles 7: 14; Ephesians 4: 2; Thessalonians 2, Colossians 3: 12; James 4: 6 – 10; 1. Peter 5: 6 – 7). The posture that we humble ourselves before God will result in having a better view of others who God has created in His own image.
The current scenario, especially in the African political landscape is littered with selfishness. Politicians amass the majority of the wealth in their nations. They leave the people who elected them to offices impoverished, malnourished and diseased. This picture is horrific, but sadly, it is very similar to the one that we see in some religious establishments. Church leaders are enriching themselves at the expense of their poor congregants. They manipulate and play on the emotions of their members. Calling them to sacrifice and sow seeds in the kingdom. Humility in the community of faith would change that outlook. People would be more caring and compassionate. From the African wisdom, we are instructed, “Don’t forget what it is being a sailor when you become the captain”. Many of us are guilty of not adhering to this instruction. We become puffed-up when the Lord lifts us up. We forget where we have come from.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live humbly and to be caring and compassionate and consider others’ needs before my own.