by Carjamin Scott on December 29, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. CST
The year 2020 marks the beginning of a new decade. All of our wins, losses, and whatever was in between have brought us to this moment in time and it is fitting that we reflect on what we learned. As for myself, I did a lot and therefore learned a lot. I learned that, as I celebrate my wins do it with grace; and, as I deal with my losses do it with gratitude. I recognized the value of humility.
The Oxford dictionary defines humility as a modest view of ones importance. The Bible says that God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8.
As I walk into 2020, I’m focused on seven attributes of humility to carry with me.
1. Humility requires gratitude.
You cannot be unhappy and grateful at the same time. I survived troublesome times by choosing gratefulness instead of sadness. When bad times happen, which they happen to all of us, it’s important to go through those moments and learn from them.
2. Humility requires patience.
Your right now is not your forever. If you are always wanting more, expecting more, looking for more then you are unable to appreciate what you have in this moment right now. When the time is right it will happen.
3. Humility encourages you to believe in yourself.
Being humble means free from pride and arrogance, not confidence. Confidence is trusting in your abilities. Humility requires that you trust yourself and what you have to offer. It motivates you to stay in your own lane and take stock in your own abilities instead of comparing yourself to others. CS Lewis said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”
4. Humility is letting your light shine.
Only light can combat darkness. When you let your light shine, you allow others to do the same. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that,” Dr. Martin Luther King. What is your light? Is it artistry, science, writing, engineering, caretaking, business ownership? Whatever it is, do it to the best of your ability.
5. Humility will require you to love.
Love one another. Put others first. Humility is not self serving. It is concerned with the welfare of everyone. It is fair and just. A humble person is not vain, argumentative, or boastful. Humility is love. It is admitting faults, remaining coachable, constant growth and forgiveness.
6. Humility is faithful.
When you are humble, you are loyal. You are faithful to your calling. You see situations differently. You understand that faithfulness requires sacrifice. You are willing to do what it takes to complete your purpose.
7. Humility is rewarding.
When you are humble, you will be rewarded. “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted,” Luke 14:11. There is nothing that God wants more than for us to trust him. Walk humbly with Him and you will be rewarded.
I pray that you have a blessed New Year and I thank you for taking the time to read this message. Hallelujah, God is good.
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