Opportunities to grow in our own humility

Have you ever edited a picture before posting it on social media to erase a blemish or fault? Of course, most of us have.
In a world where the measure of success is greatly influenced by social media and the glamour of Hollywood, humility is a foreign concept.
It doesn’t help that in our culture humility is often incorrectly confused with weakness or lack of confidence.
This is far from the truth. In fact, the definition of humility is freedom of pride and arrogance.
The author, C.S. Lewis, explains this well when he says “humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”
In the New Testament, St. Peter reminds us of the importance of humility.
“And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: ‘God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.’ So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” — 1Peter 5:5-6
As Christian stewards we are called to imitate Christ and recognize that God is the origin of all life and the source of all things.
The fact that all we are and all we have been given is a gift from a merciful and generous God who loves us unconditionally is a humbling realization. This naturally leads us to grow in humility.
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should have the means to contribute so freely? For everything is from you, and what we give is what we have from you.” ­—1 Chronicles 29:14
We are blessed with opportunities to grow in our own humility every day.
Going to confession, apologizing when we have offended someone, admitting our mistakes, giving up control, accepting constructive criticism without resentment, giving credit where it is due and asking for help are all examples of humility.
Regardless of what today’s society tries to dictate, acts of humility display great strength and confidence.
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” —­ Luke 14:11
­­ — Shannon Roh is the Executive Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile.