Humility is a forgotten and most neglected virtue. It is no longer prized; it is seldom sought and practiced. It is sorely needed. Humility is the opposite of pride. When pride is guarding the door, humility is not granted admission. Pride makes of oneself its own god; it wants to be a god, but is, in fact, an idol. The humble understand this and guard their soul with all diligence. Humility knows that pride is an expert at mimicking the voice of God; it is blatantly present in those who baptize their own impulses as the leadership of the Spirit. This is extremely hard for the community of faith to navigate around, because what can you do with, “God told me.” or “The Spirit always leads me”. What can be more dangerous than transforming what I desire into the voice of God?
Father, may we not be among “the fools who rush in where angels fear to tread”. Teach us how to discern what is in our own heart. Free us from defiling our souls with pride (Mark 7:20–23). Cleanse us from all things that do not look like the One who “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) Amen!
