Pride is a dangerous thing and, in a digitally dominated world where we can hide, it may be even more dangerous. Some even consider pride as a seed of evil. But without getting overdramatic, we can at least subscribe to pride being at the root of stress and struggle.
British novelist C.S. Lewis, an author best known for classics like “The Chronicles of Narnia,” was a theologian who impacted a great many lives with his writings. Some of the more significant ideas centered around humility. Specifically, Lewis was quoted as saying, “Humility is thinking of yourself less – not thinking less of yourself.”
Lewis once had ongoing discussions with a woman who often wrote to him complaining of relatively petty things in her life dealing with health, finances and other life challenges. Eventually, she started complaining about other people. Lewis said to her, “May God’s grace give you the necessary humility. Try not to think – much less, speak – of their sins. One’s own are a much more profitable theme. And if on consideration, one can find no faults on one’s own side, then cry for mercy; for this must be a most dangerous delusion.”
Flawlessness is indeed a dangerous delusion. The Latin root of the word humility is “hummus,” which means dirt or earth. In other words, the humble understand that we are merely dust – “salt of the earth,” if you will. Humility should be at the cornerstone of our lives – both personal and professional.
Excessive pursuit of excellence (when your idea of excellence is compared to others) is prideful. It will not play well when trying to connect with others. Letting go of our pride and engaging with others in a real and honest way opens up our hearts – and opportunities.
Content born from a sincere desire for discovery creates humility and allows us to build relationships that fulfill and sustain us.
Let’s be the salt of the earth.