The Freedom of Humility

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“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
— C. S. Lewis

I'm not ashamed to admit that I love watching old reruns of Little House on the Prairie from the late 1970s.  I used to watch it when I was a kid, and it's kind of nice to rewatch it. 

My fiance and I typically watch little snippets of episodes when we eat breakfast and lunch, so the episodes last a lot longer, but that's okay.  In contrast to most of the other shows you can stream, Little House always has a positive message, and the shows always end well, no matter what. 

I'm going to say this unironically:  You also learn some valuable lessons each time you watch.  

For example, the other day, one of the characters delivered this amazing gem of wisdom: "Swallowing your pride doesn't give you an upset stomach." 

After I heard that line and exclaimed over it, my fiancé said, "That's probably going to end up in one of your Devos."  She was right, of course.  And it completely fits with this reflection on the quiet virtue of humility.  

Humility is one of the most misunderstood of the quiet virtues.

Many people assume humility means diminishing oneself, denying one's gifts, or pretending not to matter. But biblical humility is something quite different. It is simply seeing ourselves truthfully.

Humility acknowledges both our strengths and our limitations.

It recognizes that our lives are gifts rather than personal achievements alone. It frees us from the exhausting need to constantly prove ourselves or compare ourselves with others.

Jesus offers the ultimate example of humility. Though he possessed immense authority, he washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-17). He chose service over status. He consistently elevated others rather than seeking recognition for himself.

Humility creates space for growth because humble people remain teachable.

They can admit mistakes.

They can learn from others.

They can receive help when needed.

C. S. Lewis reminds us that humility is not self-obsession in a negative direction. It is freedom from excessive self-focus altogether.

The quiet virtue of humility allows us to celebrate others without envy. It helps us receive praise without arrogance and criticism without defensiveness. It enables us to hold our successes lightly and our failures honestly.

In a culture that often encourages self-promotion, humility can seem almost invisible.

Yet humility creates healthier relationships, deeper wisdom, and greater peace.

When we no longer feel compelled to prove our worth, we become free to simply live.

Free to serve.

Free to learn.

Free to love.

And perhaps that freedom is one of humility's greatest gifts. 

I have this t-shirt that has these words on it: "Stay Humble, or Be Humbled."  Each time I wear it, I'm reminded of the freedom we can have when we practice humility. 

I'm also reminded that swallowing your pride truly doesn't upset your stomach; it keeps you from falling flat on your face when your head gets too big to be supported by the rest of you.  

So live in humility today, practice this quiet virtue, and be free to be who you were always meant to be.  

Prayer

Humble God, help me see myself honestly and live with gratitude for the gifts you have given me. Free me from comparison, pride, and insecurity. Teach me to serve others with joy and to walk through life with humility and grace. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you define humility in your own words?
  2. Where do you struggle most with pride or comparison?
  3. How might humility create greater freedom in your life? 

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