To be humble is to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord—to understand that we have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that our talents and abilities are gifts from God. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that we know where our true strength lies. We can be both humble and fearless. We can be both humble and courageous.
Jesus Christ is our greatest example of humility. During His mortal ministry, He always acknowledged that His strength came because of His dependence on His Father. He said: “I can of mine own self do nothing. … I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30).
The Lord will strengthen us as we humble ourselves before Him. James taught: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. … Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:6, 10).
The definition of humility is to make meek and teachable, or the condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to His will.
If we are a little more kind, if we are a little more neighborly, if we have drawn nearer to the Savior, with a firmer resolution to follow His teachings and His example, then, we will have been a wonderful success in our lives. If, on the other hand, there is no improvement in our lives, then we have failed.
Those changes may not be measurable in a day or a week or a month. Resolutions are quickly made and quickly forgotten. But, in a year from now, if we are doing better than we have done in the past, then the efforts of these days will not have been in vain.
So, it will be with the experience we have enjoyed. And perhaps, the things the Lord has given us in the scriptures, there may be a phrase or a paragraph that will stand out and possess our attention. If this occurs, write it down and reflect on it until we savor the depth of its meaning and have made it a part of our own lives.
We can draw nearer to the Lord in our prayers. These can become conversations of thanksgiving. We can never fully understand how God invites us as His children to speak with Him individually. How precious an opportunity this is. How wonderful that it happens. Our prayers, offered in humility and sincerity, are heard, and answered. It is a miraculous thing, but it is real.
Let us lower our voices in our homes. Let love abound and find expression in our actions. May we walk the quiet ways of the Lord, and may prosperity crown our labors.
From time to time, we can repeat quietly in our minds, when we are alone, those beautiful words of worship that the Lord has given to help us be a better person on this earth.
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