When you think of power, what comes to mind? Greed? Control? Manipulation? There’s a power that is Christ-like and has the ability and the opportunity to change your life. That power is humility.
Humility allows us to have a life-giving impact or influence on other’s lives. Humility is a radical commitment to discovering the truth. Someone who is humble recognizes the truth about themselves. If we aren’t humble, we can become prideful and react out of fear. Pride says:
- “I don’t have a problem.”
- “I can do it all on my own.”
- “All I need is willpower.“
- “Nobody can help me.”
Secure people are humble people. They can hear difficult feedback. They can take in different information. Also, they’re open to new—or differing—ideas. Be willing to hear the ideas, thoughts, and feelings of others.
Humility helps us engage in the truth in recovery. It says that we may not have all the answers, but we can seek to discover the answers, and we can work with others to come up with the best solutions to our struggles. Humility doesn’t make us the center of the universe.
We practice humility when we:
- Serve others.
- Consider all of the information.
- Don’t make ourselves the center of the universe.
- Search for the truth.
In other words, humility does what’s best for others. We should always be asking: What is best for the other person in this situation? How can I serve others? When we consider other people, we are practicing humility, just as Paul did when he wrote to the church at Philippi. He said, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too,” (Phil. 2:4, NLT).
Consider what Jesus did when He came down to earth and made people His priority. A few verses later in the same chapter of Philippians, we read “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on the cross.” (v. 7).
Practicing humility in our recovery makes us powerful. As we make serving people the priority, and balance that with caring for ourselves and setting boundaries with others, we will gain power and influence in the best—and healthiest—way possible. Humility allows us to be teachable and helps us to examine ourselves without shame or judgment. Humility is a must-have character quality for recovery.
Are you ready to begin to find the power of humility? Begin by joining a Life Recovery group to learn how this power can change your life. Call 800-NEW-LIFE today to find a group near you and for resources that can help you begin this journey.