The Practice of Humility

Humility is often misunderstood. It's not false modesty, self-deprecation, or pretending you don't have gifts. It's an accurate view of yourself in relation to God and others. It's freedom from the constant need to prove, defend, or promote yourself. The humble man doesn't need to be the center of attention because he's secure in who he is.

True humility is actually strength, not weakness. It takes a strong man to admit he's wrong, to listen to correction, to put others first.

What Humility Looks Like

• Teachable: Open to correction and learning
• Honest about weakness: Able to admit limitations
• Celebrates others: Not threatened by others' success
• Serves: Willing to do unglamorous work
• Listens: Values others' perspectives
• Admits wrong: Quick to apologize when at fault

Pride makes you defensive, easily offended, unable to admit fault. Humility sets you free. You don't have to be right all the time. You don't have to win every argument. You can learn from anyone.

Humility vs. Insecurity

Humility and insecurity look similar on the surface but are very different underneath. The insecure man deflects praise because he doesn't believe he deserves it. The humble man deflects praise because he's not focused on himself. Insecurity is self-focused doubt. Humility is other-focused freedom.

Building Humility

Practice gratitude: Recognize what you've been given, not what you've earned.

Seek feedback: Invite others to point out your blind spots.

Serve quietly: Do things without recognition.

Celebrate others: Make a habit of lifting others up.

Confess quickly: Admit fault without defending or excusing.

Your Action Steps

This week: Notice where pride shows up. Defensiveness, need to be right, inability to apologize.

This month: Actively seek feedback about your blind spots from someone who knows you.

This quarter: Practice serving in a way that gets no recognition.