The Purpose of Humility

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:16-8).  
What is haughty? It means having an air of superiority— being someone who is pretentious or prideful. Jesus makes it very clear in Scripture that we are to refrain from this. As we discussed in our last devotion, our attitudes affect everyone around us, and they are directly connected to our relationship with the Father. All other people you see and talk to are affected by your attitude—from your waiter at a restaurant to your best friend to the woman on isle 7 who took the last box of your favorite snack. From strangers on the street to your worst enemy, your attitude changes them.  

When we converse with people, do we focus more on ourselves and what we’ve done? Some of the most powerful phrases we could say to someone has nothing to do with our success. Some of the most important things you could say to someone are these:

“I admit I made a mistake.”
“You did a good job.” 
“What do you think?” 
“After you, please.” 
“Thank you.” 
 
Our lives make so much more sense when we realize that “It’s not about me.” Even though this is a hard pill to swallow, it’s also freeing in a way. You don’t have to exhaust yourself trying to find ways to make yourself happy, going around in circles to figure out how you can get noticed and be superior to someone else. It’s not about us.  

In relationships, there will always be an opportunity for pride. Satan will make sure of it. But you have the choice whether you will let your own pride take control. You have the choice to walk the road of humility rather than haughtiness. Admit when you make a mistake, say “I’m sorry,” give someone an encouraging word even if they’ve never so much as given you a smile.  

Be humble—even when you’re right. Be humble. Don’t assume that you are entitled to anything because everything you have has been given to you. The more you practice humility, the more grateful you become, and the Lord’s heart is tender towards a grateful son or daughter.