A Reflection on Humility

I have been reflecting on the virtue of humility this week. Humility comes from the root word “humus”, which means to be low to the ground, or bent over toward the ground. A person with humility is someone who strives not to give in to ego or self-serving behaviours or actions. People who are humble do not seek to exalt, or think too highly of themselves and understand the need for help from an outside source to ensure that they do not think too highly of themselves. I can’t possibly think of many people in the world who could benefit from some more humility in their life… (she writes sarcastically about some of the more famous people and leaders in our world today).

I have always loved the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. This movie always makes me think of the importance of being humble. In the movie Indy and his father are seeking the holy grail, and in order to get to the grail, they must first pass several tests. For one of the three tests, Indy faces the challenge by repeating to himself, “only the penitent man shall pass” which is a clue on how to get by the booby traps of the challenge. Indiana Jones realizes, just in the nick of time as an arrow is shot at him, that a penitent man must be humble therefore, he needs to lower himself to the ground and get on his knees so as not to be killed. These words of wisdom save him from death. The last test that Indiana Jones must face is that he is required to choose a chalice that he believes would have been Christ’s. If he chooses correctly, then when they dip the holy grail in the water, when they drink it, it has the power to heal the person who chooses correctly. The chalice, according to the movie, is not flashy, but a simple wooden cup. In the end the holy grail that Indiana chooses is correct, which allows him to heal his father who was shot. The grail will heal those who are humble in spirit, honest and with a clear conscious. One must ensure their intentions are pure.

As Christians this is what we are called to do as well. We are called to be humble before God, to reach out to God in our time of need, in a posture of vulnerability and openness. In order to be “right with God,” we need to temper our ego, and we need to be willing to say to God, “Here I am God! Help me to grow!” When we approach God in a posture of humility, honesty and openness we are transformed. We begin to love more deeply, to act with compassion rather than judgement. We are kinder, generous, and hope filled.

When was the last time you were penitent before God? For those of you with bad knees, and who have arthritis I am not suggesting that you get down on your knees and pray. I am suggesting that you humble yourself in spirit and lift up your prayers to God from a place of humility, without expectation, without listing your personal virtues. All God requires of us is to be authentic, to be kind, to be compassionate and to be loving. When we live with humility we will experience more love, more acceptance, and we will become reflections of God’s love in the world. Anne Lamott wisely wrote that “The opposite of faith is not doubt, it’s certainty.” Nadia Bolz-Weber more recently put it this way: “Faith is not about being sure. It’s about trusting enough to show up anyway.” So don’t concern yourself with being a perfect Christian, or always trying to do what we think is the right thing. Instead focus on being real, humble, and kind in all your relations.

I send this note to you in humility remembering that I too, as a leader of faith, need to humble myself before God. Rev. Karen