by Annie Warner Donnelly
Hello Everyone. Which comes first: honour or humility? In Proverbs 15:33, we read that “humility comes before honour.”
According to American author, Ellen G. White: “Humility is essential. The Lord can work most effectively through those who are most sensible of their own insufficiency, and who rely upon Him as their leader and source of strength. He will make them strong by uniting their weakness to His might, and wise by connecting their ignorance with His wisdom. If they would cherish true humility, the Lord could do much more for His people.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 553)
What is humility? Part of the Canadian Oxford Dictionary defines it as “not proud; having or showing a low or modest estimate of one’s own importance.” One aspect of humility is believing that all members of mankind have been created equal and that each one has something to offer to us if we take the time to listen.
Stephen R. Covey, author of “7 Habits for Highly Effective People” wrote: “To relate effectively with a wife, a husband, children, friend, or working associates, we must learn to listen. And this requires emotional strength. Listening involves patience, openness, and the desire to understand – these are highly developed qualities of character. It is so much easier to operate from a low emotional level and to give high-level advice.” (p.37)
Who needs us to listen to them today? Do we need to ask God, today, to help us increase our humility? Do we need to ask Him for patience? Do we need to learn how to be open? Do we need to develop our desire to understand? How would humility help us with our most difficult relationships and add value to the relationships we cherish most?
It’s a new year. It’s always possible to create a happier ending. We know who created the world and we know the world doesn’t revolve around us. Do we have the emotional strength to maintain humility in our character; and the patience, openness, and desire to understand that listening requires? It will make our lives, and our world, a happier place. Let’s get good at it. Amen.