Humility, The On Ramp To M68

Walking Humbly: The Key to Leading and Living with M68

Humility is the on ramp to M68, the High Way of Business. Micah 6:8 is often referred to as the Golden Rule of the Old Testament and offers three values that I believe provide an ideal set of non-negotiable core values for any business and indeed for life itself. Here is Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (ESV) The three values then are Do Justice, Love Kindness, and Walk Humbly. Humility is last, but I think it should be first as humility is the virtue that makes it possible to truly act justly and show kindness. It is the on ramp, the key to a life or business by the M68 values. Here is this from church father Saint Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430): “Humility is the foundation of all the values; therefore, in a soul where it does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance." But just what is humility?

I have always felt that humility as referenced in Micah 6:8 is not the kind that never acknowledges that we have some gift, be it creativity, intellect, athletic ability, or just appearance. But to understand that these come from the Creator of the Universe and are designed to bring Him Glory, not to accumulate it to ourselves. Have you heard the story of the church member who received a beautiful pin for humility one Sunday only to have it taken away the next after wearing it? That makes me smile every time, but I think it would be fine to wear the pin as long as you point up every time someone notes it. The same for accomplishments and gifts. But pointing up for others is just half of it, true humility involves both an inner discussion as well as an outward. Here is a particularly interesting quote from CS Lewis in Mere Christianity:

"Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call 'humble' nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all."

Humility then is not just “pointing up”, but a state of mind and acting where the “I” and “me” fade in importance to the benefit of those we serve, and lead.

What is it to Do Justice and how does humility enable it’s practice? I have always seen this a doing what is right just because it is right and not out of any expedience, and when in a position where we are required to judge others, to judge rightly and with wisdom. A humble person will approach a situation with a sense of openness, curiosity, and detachment, recognizing their own limitations and seeking to understand the needs and perspectives of others. They are willing to admit when they are wrong, learn from others, and put the needs of others before their own. Leaders will often need to judge the actions of others, this is a part a leaders job. A humble leader, a servant leader, will take time to consider all the circumstances and not believe oneself so wise as to make snap decisions. And when the time to act as a judge comes a truly humble leader will do so with the next of the M68 values, Kindness.

The value “Loving Kindness” is the ability to show compassion, empathy, and care towards others, treating them with respect and recognizing their dignity and worth as human beings. It involves showing mercy and forgiveness to others, just as God shows mercy and forgiveness to us. But without humility we are unlikely to be able to admit our own brokenness or recognize the dignity and worth of every person. These are the first steps to practicing Loving Kindness. Does practicing Kindness mean we avoid speaking truth when needed? Not if you are being truly kind. It is often necessary, particularly as a leader, to share hard truth in tough circumstances. Entering these situations with a humble mindset will make a successful outcome to these situations much more likely. Rick Warren has written extensively on the topic of showing kindness when sharing hard truths with others. In "The Purpose Driven Life" he wrote "The Bible says, 'Speak the truth in love.' Not just the truth, and not just love, but the truth in love.”

As I write this, I feel convicted over my own lack of humility. I recall so many conversations where I just wanted the subject to turn to me, me, me. How can we become more humble? I suppose starting to listen more and wanting to be heard less and seeking first to understand others before seeking to be understood would be good starts. Doing a little honest self-examination about pride and humility will help. Showing humility with acts of compassion for and service to others will be good practice. Recognizing our own limitations, weaknesses, and brokenness. Practice gratitude by taking time daily to consider the things and people we are thankful for. Being Kind and Just even when you’re not feeling it will exercise your humility “muscle” and make it stronger. Try and show someone a special kindness every day. Even just bringing someone a cup of coffee or offering a snack for example. And finally pray that God will work within you to develop a spirit of humility.

Before we exit this discussion, I would like to discuss the greatest act of humility, the most important act of humility any of us will ever make. That is the act of humbling ourselves before the Cross and entering a relationship with Jesus Christ. Without this first step, no matter how just, or kind, or humble we strive to be, no matter how successful we are in business or life, it is all for naught in eternal terms. Mark 8:36 “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (NIV)