Devotional Story on Humility
Humility is freedom from pride and ignorance. It is the quality of being modest and having a low view of one's importance. This does not mean you have to devalue yourself, but that you put others' needs first. C.S. Lewis, a popular Christian British author and lay theologian once said “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less”.
The artisans and I read Philippians 2:3-4, which reminds us to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
After reading this verse, they felt convicted. When I told them we were going to talk about humility, one of the artisans couldn’t hold her excitement because she felt it was a timely topic. They have been having some small disputes among themselves and they realized how selfish they have been toward each other. She shared her own story of what has been happening. This opened the door for the rest to share as well.
Recently some of the staff have been in training and we let them use the artisans’ workshop room. This meant lifting tables, chairs, sewing machines and other items to make room. Some helped, but others would sit around and watch. This kept happening and made the ones helping angry with those who refused to help. Not lifting a table may seem like a small thing, but in a team, all should help. Not helping shows selfishness and not valuing the people you work with.
When I asked one of the artisans what she thought she said, “There is nothing to add—because it’s clear, but I want to do better next time.” It was a moment of self reflection, as well as repentance. She realized there’s no humility if you don’t respect or value someone else.
Proverbs 11:2 says "when pride comes, then comes disgrace—but with humility comes wisdom". They both go hand-in-hand, you cannot separate the two. Reading 1 Peter 3:3-4 gave us another perspective. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold or jewelry or fine clothes. Rather it should be that of your inner self, the unfaded beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
A person with a gentle, humble and quiet spirit is strong, confident, secure in their identity, and in love eternal which defines their value. Peaceful strength glows in the heart of the woman and overflows in gentleness. She radiates beauty in humility and that’s what God requires of each one of us. I pray that we all work daily for this precious virtue.
If it matters to God it should matter to us as well.