Scripture calls us over and over again to humble ourselves before God. We are also called to walk in humility here, whether among family, friends or strangers. But what does that mean practically?
Paul gives us one clue in Philipians 2:4 where he says simply “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, also!” So one could say horizontal humility is being “other focused.” In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis puts it this way: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less”… except, according to a deeper search, he didn’t write that.
This quote has been making the rounds for years, since the publication of Rick Warren’s The Purpose-Driven Life, where it appears as part of Day 19, “Cultivating Community.” And it is to Warren this quote belongs, for indeed, it is his.
It’s a nice quote, and even a helpful one. But what Lewis actually wrote on this subject is far more challenging:
Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.
If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realise that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Book 3, Chapter 8, “The Great Sin,” Kindle location 1665
Paul’s words, Warren’s words, and Lewis’s words are good reminders to care for the planks in our own eyes before we try to remove the rainbow splinter from someone else’s! 🙂
Because God is Still On the Throne,
Pastor Scott
Grace Notes 