Humility (False vs True)
True humility is a powerful character trait
False humility is nothing more than pure arrogance
Let me explain…
FALSE HUMILITY
False humility is when one intentionally places lower value on themselves in an effort to draw attention to themselves. False humility is self-seeking and self-centered. False humility is pridefulness and arrogance wrapped up in a facade (outward appearance) of humility.
TRUE HUMILITY
True humility recognizes one’s own skills and talents but does not put themselves above others.
That’s because the one who is truly humble recognizes that every skill, talent, and achievement is the product of someone else investing in their life to develop those skills and talents.
We may have innate skills, but for the most part we had to look to someone else, either directly or indirectly, to learn how to master the use of those skills and talents.
I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? - 1 Corinthians 4:6-7
A few warnings from the Apostle Paul:
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. - 1 Corinthians 3:18
The best way to gain wisdom is to acknowledge just how much we don’t know.
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. - 1 Corinthians 10:12
Over confidence in our own ability typically results in our letting down our guard which may cause us to stumble.
With regard to our faith, true humility is knowing that everything we have comes from God. And, understanding that nothing is more important than using our skills, gifts, and talents to glorify God and introduce others to Jesus.
Paul said it well when he said,
If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— - Philippians 3:4-10
Paul could have simply said and stopped at, “For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things” In other words, ’Woe is me, look at how much I am suffering for the Lord. Aren’t I a great servant.’ But he didn’t do that, he instead said, all those worldly skills and accomplishments, they are nothing compared to knowing Christ and I want you to know him too.
So, what skills, gifts, and talents do you have? How are you using them? Do you use them to show how great God is or how great you are? Who helped you develop those skills, and talents? Have you thanked them?
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:10,11
Have a great day.
