“And since humility is the foundation of all virtues, our sanctification and growth in perfection will depend on the depth of our humility.”
The Imitation of Christ, Reflection on Chapter 2 (Mary Lea Hill, FSP, editor)
Over the years, I have managed to accumulate a pretty large library of spiritual resources—many of which I have started, but stopped after a few chapters when I fell in love with another topic or another book, and some, having never been read, patiently await being added to the pile of “current reads” on the nightstand by my bed . . .as well as my other collection of “current reads” in various baskets and boxes . . . But one resource I keep returning to is my small, blue, soft leather-bound copy of The Imitation of Christ—which is so full of rich spiritual insights that one chapter is enough to meditate upon for weeks (I seem to have a preference for small, blue leather books! See blog Adoration). Thomas Kempis, who is considered to be the author of this anonymous 15th century work, was a German lay religious. He later became a priest at a monastery in Zwolle, Holland where he devotedly served the local community, especially the poor. (God-note: I just happened to read that Kempis was born near Dusseldorf, Germany while I was on a flight from Dusseldorf after visiting our son who is studying music in a nearby city—which I viewed as a God-incidence encouraging me to meditate more deeply on The Imitation!). Kempis’ nondescript volume—an exhortation on how to be Christ-like—has been considered a spiritual classic for over 600 years.
Kempis emphasizes the importance of humility by discussing it at the beginning of The Imitation—Chapter 2 is entitled “Humble self-opinion.” He reminds us that “[i]ndeed, a humble farmer who serves God is better than a proud philosopher who neglects himself [his soul] to concentrate on the course of the universe. . . . If I knew about everything in the world and yet had no charity, what would it all mean in the sight of God, who will judge me by my deeds?” My own natural tendencies veer toward the accumulation of knowledge—lots of it! I am always wanting to go deeper in research on almost any topic, and the more I study, the more I realize how much I don’t know. It would seem that such a mentality would lead to a spirit of general humbleness, but actually I must admit that one of my biggest weaknesses is a desire to be right.
This desire can lead to decidedly non-humble behavior—as when I engage in lawyer-like tactics to win an argument with a family member (having been formally trained as a lawyer doesn’t help this natural tendency!). Sometimes it is a minor issue—We should do a family read-aloud instead of watching a movie! We need to start praying the rosary earlier in the evenings! We are not managing our time well and are going to be late if we don’t leave soon! You should have disciplined __ more strongly for his misbehavior! Other times, it’s a much bigger issue—You really think we should move? Why shouldn’t we spend money for this trip that I really think we should go on? When I think more deeply upon this desire of mine to have my perspective not only be understood, but acknowledged as being right—sometimes so vehemently that it brings me to tears—I must ask myself—is this desire really just masking an inner pridefulness? “I know best, so everyone (at least in my family) should just listen to me!”
Exercising humility is much more powerful than gaining a temporary victory in being right. In fact, humility is the requisite precursor for true victory—the kind of victory emulated by our Lord who experienced the most abject humiliation and transformed it into the most triumphal victory ever. That is what humility does. Transforms. Humility transforms the way I see things. Humility transforms my relationships. Humility can transform me in the times when I am a disagreeable and combative wife or an overbearing mom or a-less-than-understanding daughter, into a more loving version of myself that no longer needs to be right, but just wants to understand and be open to another point of view. Humility helps me replace pridefulness with loving kindness and generosity of spirit towards my loved ones. Scripture abounds with reminders of this fundamental truth—one of my favorite humility-verses is Paul’s encouragement in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.” In other words, if I really want to grow in holiness, I must consistently choose humbleness over being right.