Humility

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

1 Peter 5: 6

While humility is indeed a quality of one’s character, we are not born with it. Humility is not a disposition some are fortunate to have, while others are simply predisposed to egomania. Humility is a character quality that needs to be cultivated. Good parenting can help a child learn humility and remain humble as he or she matures. Frequently, life’s painful circumstances grind the sharp edge of pride and smooth the abrasive corners of arrogance. But more often – whether humble people recognize it or not – humility is a discipline, it is a character quality we must learn. Remember the command? “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God.” … Humility is not something a person merely has; it’s what we are called to do …. If we see humility as a discipline, not merely a virtue, we better understand the task before us. It has more to do with what we seek than what we become. If we take responsibility for what we seek, God will determine what we will be.

• Charles R. Swindoll, The Owner’s Manual for Christians as taken from the KJV Devotional Bible, Hendrickson Publishers, 2011 Edition.