Humility

Mon, Oct 28th

The daily reflections this week are going to be structured a little differently. This week we are focusing largely on "humility" as a spiritual discipline. To that end, we are going to reflect on the work of a man named Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667). Among many great things he wrote, one of the best was his 18 rules for pursuing the discipline of humility. So, for most of this week, we will be highlighting a few of those rules and trying to put them into practice as we seek to pursue humility.

Take some time to listen to and reflect on the following

Humility

Take some time to read these rules and put them into practice

1. Humility comes from having the most realistic opinion of yourself.
   Just as humility does not consist of having an inflated picture of your abilities or value, humility also does not consist of a ragged, self-flagellated picture of yourself. Rather, true humility consists of having the most realistic picture of who you are- namely, someone with strengths and weaknesses, virtues and vices. Humility consists of knowing the limits of the heights of your best qualities, as well as the limits of the depths of your worst.
2. Be content when others share your realistic opinion of you.
   As you seek to attain this most realistic picture of yourself, be content when others see you that way, too. Do not be angry or defensive when someone else correctly identifies your limitations or weaknesses. It is hypocrisy, not humility, to seek to hold a true opinion of yourself yet seek to paint a different picture for others.
3. Do not think better of yourself because of gifts or outward realities.
   Although you may be better than others in a certain regard (as one horse runs faster than another) or in a happier circumstance than another (as one tree grows taller than another), know that these are for the benefit of others and not of yourself. These are not to be matters of pride. Remember that in your humanity it is not your circumstances or abilities, but rather your right choices that give you merit.
4. Do not be ashamed of your past or present status.
   Never be ashamed of your parents, upbringing, employment, etc.- or the potential lowly status of any of them. When there is an occasion to speak about them, do not be shy. Rather, speak readily with an indifference to how others might regard you.