A prerequisite of learning is humility. Read that again. We cannot learn what we think we already know. We must acknowledge the limitations of our understanding, if we truly want to learn anything new. In some areas, most of us can easily admit our limitations. For example, when it comes to building anything, I know I will need help. Fortunately, my husband is quite skilled at building things, so I listen to him, I keep my mind open to new info.
But in other areas, I tend to shut down new info. If you try to tell me anything about child development (I have a Masters degree in this area) I may, at first, dismiss any new info. I will be resistant to hearing what you have to say. So humility is key. I have to be able to admit that I don’t know everything, that my understanding is limited, despite my degrees and experience. And when this happens, when I let myself listen, my understanding expands, I get better at what I do, and everyone benefits.
Humility is a pathway to growth. But it is hard for many of us to let go of our need to be right, or smart, or relevant. We fear not being noticed, valued, and respected. And we think humility makes us appear weak.
People rejected Jesus’ humility, kindness, and compassion because it looked like weakness. This was not the Messiah/King they had anticipated. Even his followers couldn’t believe he would submit himself to death on a cross. That seemed like too much humility. If Jesus had all the power and authority of God, why?
Because even Jesus, even God incarnate, understood that humility was the way forward. He knew that trying to prove who he was, prove that he was indeed the Messiah, would be a path that never ended.
Instead, Jesus’ extreme humility is part of the story that endures now, 2000+ years later. We follow Jesus, not because of his ability to lead, not because of how he wielded power, or conquered nations, but because he submitted himself to a humiliating, tortuous death on a cross, and then quietly, but powerfully rose from the dead.
So my question for us is – in what areas of our lives do we refuse to admit we lack understanding? How is this impacting our relationships, our learning, and our own growth?
This is a powerful message! My family was recently talking about how to love like Jesus, and my son was confused about why it would be hard for anyone. I had to explain that people do all manner of selfish and mean things and call it “love” somehow. This picture of Jesus as a servant, humble and meek is how we are to love. Thanks Tina!
This is great news! I have missed your musings
So well said Tina! I believe humility is one of the most attractive qualities a person can have and I have for many years felt drawn to those in whom humility is so evident. And you have long been one of my very favorite writers, so I’m thrilled that you’re writing again!