“If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:1-4 

Written by Rev. Brandon Durán

There are a lot of great quotes about humility.  Theologians, philosophers, and people of all disciplines have something to say on the matter.  Ted Turner once remarked, “If only I had a little humility, I would be perfect.”

As a young man, Anthony set out to live a life pleasing to God.  His strategy for such a holy journey was to rid himself of sin.  In the biography about his life, Anthony is quoted saying, “I saw the snares that the enemy spreads out over the world and I said groaning, ‘What can get through from such snares?”  Then I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Humility.’”

Humility is like a wet bar of soap, the moment you think you’ve grasped it, it pops out of your hand.  Who could ever describe themselves as humble without drawing criticisms or giggles? Perhaps humility is more of a direction than a destination.  This is what Anthony seems to be saying (or “hearing” as his quote states).  Humility is how we navigate the choices that are set before us.  Humility is the filter through which we sift our emotional response in order to separate out our ego.  Humility is the pause, the deep breath, and the silence before we speak.  Humility is the map that will lead us around the prideful pitfalls.

Perhaps the more clearly we see ourselves, the more clearly we can see the way ahead.