The Importance of Humility and Service to Others

Humility is a word that is often heard but not yet fully understood by many. Misinterpretations about what “humility” is are still present. Some think that humility is the refusal to show everyone the skills and talents one has. It is also thought of as putting oneself down or feeling worthless. However, humility is not defined that way. Humility is more than not calling attention to oneself or thinking that someone is better. Humility is a value that is manifested through acceptance, selflessness, and contentment. In this essay I want to explore the importance of humility and service to others.  

Humility through Acceptance

Humility is a value that is manifested through acceptance. Accepting advice from other people regarding changes for the better is one form of humility. No one can deny the fact that everyone makes mistakes and that nobody is perfect. Everyone needs improvement. If other people give an advice, it is always better to take that and evaluate it if it can help. It is one form of emptying one’s mind and heart for a while and filling it with new ideas and values that come from other people’s opinion and advice. In addition, many are afraid to accept changes because of pride, the opposite of humility. Humility is not that easy to show because titles, achievements, and the like, give birth to the culprit which is pride. These things give an identity to a person that is why the tendency is a fear of losing the titles, achievements, and the things that one can be proud of. If there is an acceptance of changes based on other people’s advice like, “Hey you need to improve or change”, then humility is present. The mindset of a humble person is that “Despite my achievements, there are still things other people know that I do not know”. Moreover, humility can be shown in a glass full of water. The glass represents a person while the water or any drink inside it represents all the things that we can be proud of. If the glass is not emptied for a while, new drink cannot be added. In short, people can surely learn more things if pride, the opposite of humility, is lowered down.   

Service to Others

Humility is a value that is manifested through selflessness. Performing service and charity anonymously shows humility. Humility is not only about being selfless, performing service, and giving alms to others but also doing these things even if other people do not see it. Performing service to others even if they do not see it is a clear form of “selflessness” since one does not mind his/her reputation. What others think does not really matter. In addition, praise from other people is not really a big deal. “Humility is not about thinking less of yourself”, as the British writer C.S. Lewis once put it, “but thinking of yourself less”. It is good to think of others more than yourself just like what Jesus did. God will always lift those who humble themselves down and give service to others. Moreover, the feeling is always good when one gives service to others.   

Humility through Contentment

Humility is a value that is manifested through contentment. Humility is shown when one does not demand for more blessings. In life, there are many worldly possessions. The tendency is for people to always want “more” in their lives. Also, there is a sense of competition since there are many improvements on earth such as technology. For example, the feeling of wanting to buy a new iPhone since it is better to have one. If this is the case, then there is always a reason to boast.    People should always be contented with what they have now. This only shows that one owes every possession to God and that everything comes from Him. Moreover, if God gives a little or none, a humble person would still be contented since he/she knows that he/she is nothing without God.   

“Humility is royalty without a crown” and “Humility is greatness in plain clothes” are quotes by Spencer W. Kimball which summarizes the word, humility. (“Quotes on humility”, 1996-2014) Both explain that praise from other people and one’s reputation is less important. The more important thing is to do the right thing and just be humble. Accepting that one is not perfect, giving service to others anonymously, and being happy and contented with what one has now are manifestations of humility.  

Conclusion

Humility is a characteristic often talked about when great leaders are mentioned. Philosophers have praised it since the early dawn of humanity and religions around the world are eager to teach the value of it. Yet, it is a tricky virtue; one that can quickly take a different shape if you aren’t careful with its application. Humility can be exercised every day through simple actions: by focusing on other people, by examining your inner strengths and weaknesses, and by being aware of the common value we all have no matter what our role or position. Humility is not the absence of desire or confidence. You don’t need to shy away from responsibilities or even the limelight in order to be humble. But you do need to acknowledge you aren’t any better or any less than the people around you, and it is the group contribution that often helps us achieve things, whether we did most of the work ourselves.