What’s worse than a person who has everything? Someone who treats others as though they have nothing.
Such a person may be admired for a time by some, but others feel nothing but contempt for the person’s arrogance. That person’s fame and accomplishments are of little consequence in the grand scheme of things. Any influence they have over people will be negative and fleeting, and once they are gone, they will be remembered for their misdeeds more than for their virtues.
There are plenty of former celebrities who once considered themselves above the “little people” who supported them. But as age and physical frailty overtake them, they become irrelevant and forgotten or ridiculed. Some even end up destitute or in prison.
Of far greater value is someone who, though successful, is humble about it and treats others as equals. Such people doesn’t strut about with a feeling of royal entitlement and expect to be served. Rather, they will meekly attribute their success to divine providence, and insist that they only did their best. They will share their wealth with those in need and treat their fellow beings with respect. In these individuals we can appreciate both their accomplishments and their character traits. They will be remembered with fondness.
Albert Einstein was considered one of the world’s greatest scientists. Yet he was also known for his humility and kindness. He once wrote: “My faith contains a humble appreciation of the illimitable premium Spirit, who discloses Himself in the small details we are able to regard with our frail as well as weak mind.”
Humility is a vital part of a righteous person’s character. Such a person does not seek earthly glory or bask in praise, but simply goes about doing good.
The Pharisees in Biblical history may have done some good works, yet by proudly trumpeting their accomplishments, “they had their reward.” They even expected a high standing in heaven because of their goodness. No wonder they were offended by Christ’s characterization of them!
Pride is the nemesis of success. It makes us blind to our faults and causes us to forget the role God plays in our lives.
Some of the greatest prophets in the Bible were also great examples of humility. Moses, for instance, is described as “very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). He was hesitant to accept his calling due to his lack of speaking skills, and often had to turn to the Lord or others for help with leadership challenges.
God loves a humble person. Humility is a quality every one of us can attain, regardless of whether we are rich, beautiful, confident and talented, or otherwise.
One way to build humility is to keep our past failures in mind. The apostle Paul is an example of this. He bitterly regretted oppressing the church in his earlier days. Though he was one of the greatest apostles, he called himself the least.
Paul also faced a challenge he called a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). It took some time for Paul to come to the realization that God chose not to relieve the affliction in order to keep him humble. Perhaps some of the trials we experience in own lives are meant to bring us to a state of humility.
The good news is that the memory our past sins and mistakes can impel us toward humility. Repentance and a sincere commitment to improve our lives are key. Rather than beating ourselves up, we need to gratefully accept the Lord’s forgiveness and move forward with a love of God and our neighbors that is expressed not only in word but also in deed.
Jesus said, “whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). That is a principle we should all embrace, particularly when we are blessed with success in life.
