I recently read a description of a book by William Tully called The Decline of Humility and the Death of Wisdom. In the summary of the book the author states that Humility and Wisdom have been in decline in our society to the point that each are viewed almost as vices. Our culture seems to reward egotism and the focus on self. Personal perception of reality supersedes actual reality. Service to others can seem, at times, to be more of a sign of weakness. In his Ted Talk from 2018 the speaker, Quincy Mix, proposes that the concept of “being yourself” has grown to selfishness. That we have morphed into the “selfie generation” turning the focus on ourselves and less on the needs of others.
That is contrasted with the service organization, Rotary International. The motto of the organization is “service above self”. Local branches are typically made up of community leaders who contribute and raise funds for the good of the local area. Building projects, food collection and distribution to those less fortunate, clothing drives, etc. All done for the good of others without there being a spotlight on themselves. There are many other groups that serve a similar purpose. Lions Club, the Moose Club, Veteran’s groups and other service organizations put service to others as the mission statement.
In today’s first reading from the 1st book of Kings, we see the new King of Israel, Solomon, in dialogue with God. Solomon has recently taken the throne following the death of his Father, David. But Solomon is young and inexperienced in governing. When God asks him what he wants from the Lord, Solomon does not ask for wealth, power or fame. He asks for Wisdom to help him lead his country. To best serve. Most of us know the famous story of Solomon judging between two women who claim to be the actual
Mother of an infant. Solomon commands for the baby to be cut in half with each half given to each woman. When one of the women cry out to give the child to the other woman, Solomon knows that this sacrifice would only come from the love of the child’s true Mother. So Solomon represents all that is good, correct? Not so fast.
As we will see in the readings next week, things go awry with the king. His gift of wisdom from God, and his actions led by his relationship with the Father, has led to an increase in riches and power for Israel. And he is told so by many from within and outside the Kingdom. Including the Queen of Sheba, the “Queen of the South”. And Solomon gradually starts to believe his press clippings. His self awareness grows into a sense of self importance. He marries multiple “foreign” women and then begins to worship their gods. Unlike his Father David, who sinned then repented before God, Solomon remained estranged in his relationship with the Lord. Right up to his death. Thereby “blaspheming the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 12:31). In the end, his focus on self, and loss of the humility and wisdom gifted to him by God, lead to the separation of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel and its eventual subjugation by Assyria and Babylon.
We all love to be praised, don’t we? And it is good to get feedback when others feel that you are doing a good job. I cannot tell you how much I value the comments many of you give at the end of my reflections. It helps me to know that I am on the right track in my writing. I don’t believe I have ever thanked you for taking the time to write your own thoughts in the comment section below. But there is a danger that I feel like I must always be aware of. Of not letting your wonderful replies lead to writing for the praise of others as opposed to praise from God. Of recognizing that my work on this column is for the glory of God by highlighting His words.
I have read the phrase that “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” True humility is not downgrading yourself, but is instead putting the needs of others before your own needs. Which is also the definition of love for others. Not to say that I have this figured out. Far from it. I have a hard time “looking past the end of my nose.” To the extent that some may think I am in need of some Rhinoplasty (“Nose Job”). But I am always trying to do better. Trying to be more observant of my surroundings and those in need. I will leave you with these 10 tips from the American Society of Administrative Professionals on becoming more humble. Bet I can do them better than you can…guess I need to work on the first two tips:
- Be aware of your own shortcomings, strengths, and limitations
- Recognize and acknowledge the strengths of others
- Be open to learning and adapting from your colleagues
- Work towards putting others’ needs before your own
- Be a good listener and ensure others feel heard and understood around you
- Be appreciative of others and express your gratitude often
- Be open to constructive criticism and feedback
- Own your mistakes
- Continue learning and educating yourself in your career
- Be open to changing, shifting, and adapting, even when it’s challenging
