This is our third post on the topic of humility. We began with the challenge of humility then looked at the humility of Francis of Assisi.
I thought that it would be helpful to list some of the traits of deeper humility mentioned by two great Christian teachers. The first list is from John of the Cross (b. 1542 – d. 1591) who observed:
- They think everyone else is far better than they are…
- Their good deeds and the gratification they receive from them only cause them to be more aware of their debt to God and the inadequacy of their service to him…
- These souls humbly and tranquilly long to be taught by anyone who might be a help to them.
- They rejoice when others receive praise…
- These souls would give their life’s blood to anyone who serves God…
- When they see themselves fall into imperfections, they suffer this with humility…[1]
The next list is from Jonathan Edwards (b.1703 – d. 1758), who was a pastor, theologian and a pioneer of the 1st Great Awakening in America. He taught that knowledge of the beauty of God was a key to humility. Just knowing God is greater than us is not enough, we need to understand that his beauty is infinitely beyond words. Edwards observed about the humble:
- A truly humble man is sensible of the small extent of his own knowledge, and the great extent of his ignorance…[2]
- It is the disposition of the humble soul, to lie low before God, and to humble himself in the dust in his presence.
- If he has a remarkable spiritual experience, he will not be solicitous that men should know it for the sake of the honor he may obtain by it…
- He gives all due deference to the judgment and inclinations of others…
- When anyone shall give such a person a…reproof for any fault, humility will dispose him to take it kindly, and even thankfully.
- Humility is a most essential and distinguishing trait in all true piety…It is the ornament of the spirit.
Finally, Jonathan Edwards explains that one who is humble avoids the pride that can come from Spiritual experiences. This is a problem highlighted by many great teachers since it is so common. These lists are very challenging but just having these observations can help us progress. Hopefully, these two lists will lead us to a deep attitude of the heart that reflects who we are before God.
[1] John of the Cross, Collected Works of John of the Cross (ICS Publications, 1991), 364-365. This is in Dark Night of the Soul, Book One, Chapter 2, para. 6-8.
[2] Jonathan Edwards, Charity and Its Fruits (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, repr. 1986), 133. The remainder of this list is from pages 137, 139, 140, 144 and 155.
