Humility. Some reading this word might immediately think – “weak.” Others reading the word might think – “noble” or “honorable.” Your understanding of this word will direct the rest of your days. True humility is never weakness but rather the realization of whence real power comes.
But please don’t think we can treat this complex virtue of humility flippantly or casually. True humility is a complex virtue – possibly even a cyclical undertaking in the life of a human. Thomas Merton, in frustration of realizing this complexity cried out to God in prayer:
Lord, you have taught us to love humility, but we have not learned. We have learned only to love the outward surface of it – the humility that makes a person charming and attractive. We sometimes pause to think about these qualities, and we often pretend that we possess them, and that we have gained them by “practicing humility.”
If we were really humble, we would know to what extent we are liars!
Pretty straight forward words from a humble man. You see, if we have to tell people we are humble then we aren’t.
A complex virtue indeed.
God calls us to die to ourselves – to humble ourselves – and to live completely surrendered to God and the calling on our lives. There is an element of real freedom here that we must not miss. God does not call us to put on a mask and try and live up to the world’s standards. We don’t have to worry about what others think. We don’t have to put on aires and strive to be someone we are not. In fact, we are not even expected to be successful – regardless of how you define that word and concept. The only expectation on us is to be faithful.
It starts with humility.
God, today, help me to realize those areas in my life where I have replaced you with desires to succeed. Rekindle in me a passion to serve you with all that I am – sold out and and completely surrendered. Amen
Clay in the Hands 
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