Humility, God, and Success

In a mostly christian society the idea, or attitude, of "humility" and "shame" permeates the collective consciousness. The effect can be very unhealthy due to a lack of understanding of the meaning of "humility." Humility is not about under-achieving and hiding. It's about being happy and at peace by aligning with the Universe (God) to achieve all your desires.

From the time we are young many of us are bombarded with the concept that we should never be open and up front with just about anything that might make others feel bad. We shouldn't let them know that we have anything (material or otherwise) that they don't.

Growing up, when we'd see someone openly individualistic and brazenly successful, I would hear adults say, "He really thinks he's somethin," in a sarcastic tone.

After all, doesn't the bible say,

"He that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:12)

Also,

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4)

Too often this is misinterpreted and has the effect of making us feel content in our mediocrity, almost as a badge of honor. You know, if we're just like everybody else, regular folk, humble, and church-going or whatever, we're good with God! All is well!

Really?

So God is happy with mediocrity and people moping around all repressed and walking on pins and needles to avoid offending one another?

I don't buy it.

Too often this misinterpretation results in people having a lack of presence, depression, lack of social skills, lack of confidence, fear of style, inability to lead, fear of standing up in front of others, fear of excelling above the pack, rising to the top, and openly showing that they feel just pretty damn fine about it.

Some are not only held back by this but take it further and openly and regularly criticize others who have risen above or have or enjoy things (material or otherwise) that appear to be "better" than what they have. (What is "better" anyway?)

We end up with endless self-deprecation, subdued appearance and demeanor, and co-miseration.

We end up feeling guilty to receive success or things, material or not, that others don't have.

This is so wrong and there's no way it's godly.

I don't believe this is what Jesus intended by his words.

Forget the Bible for a minute. Think about it. What is the value of humility? What does it accomplish? Again, set aside momentarily the idea that it's a principle mandated by God and just think about whether it's a behavior that you would choose on your own, and if so, "why?"

Here are some potential benefits or effects of humility:

1. It makes haters feel better,
2. Makes people easier to control in an organization or society,
   
3. Through it a person maintains an awareness that the Universe (God) is in control and that the key to success and happiness is to work through It and with It.
   

I believe the last idea is what Jesus was trying to communicate with the idea of "humility."

This meaning of humility has nothing to do with offending or not offending others.

If others are offended at your success it reveals their inner problem not yours, and how sad if we hold back for that?

Nelson Mandela expressed this eloquently:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, talented, gorgeous, and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be??? You are a child of God. You're playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us, it's in everyone! And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fears our presence automatically liberates others."

Love it: "Your playing small doesn't serve the world."

Isn't this what Jesus was probably trying to say?:

"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:15-16)

So the healthy purpose and meaning of humility is not about quiet retreat. It's about open advancement. It's not about self-deprecation, embarrassment, and inhibitions at all. It's not about trying to avoid offending the haters and moping around all contained. It's not about holding back at all. It's about stepping forward with the Universe, not stepping backward.

And to achieve success and all your desires all you have to do is ask.

We're told Jesus said in his famous Sermon On the Mount,

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

"For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)

He also said,

"...If ye have faith [detachment] as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." (Matthew 17:20)

"Humility" in its true sense is about recognizing that the Universe, Spirit, God, or whichever name you choose, works like this:

1. you put your desires and intentions out there regularly (prayer)
   
2. you detach from them knowing that the Universe will deliver (faith)
   
3. when the time is ripe, the Universe will deliver your desires to you.

It's that simple.

And according to Jesus there is no limit to what you can ask for and receive:

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22)

All things whatsoever.

Why would he put that out there if he didn't want us to aim high!

Dream big dreams!

Be yourself! Come out with it! Be proud!

Smile with style!!

Humility is not about being down-trodden, impoverished, or repressed. It's the opposite. It's about shining! It's about being happy and at peace by aligning with the Universe (God) to achieve all your desires.

-Forsyth