Article October 11, 1924 Issue

Humility

DAISY BEDFORD

It is interesting to note the different aspects of humility that are brought out so definitely in the Sermon on the Mount, and especially in the Beatitudes. Poorness of spirit, meekness, gentleness which ultimates in peacemaking, purity of heart which it would appear impossible to gain unless something of the quality of humility had been acquired, something of that spirit of meekness which Jesus taught and practiced. The Christian era brought out a new viewpoint to students. Added to the "Thou shalt not" of the Decalogue, they now had the tender "Blessed are ye," if they chose the right path and walked therein. All through the Sermon on the Mount this is indicated. The reward was there if they did that which was right; also the penalty, if they left the straight and narrow path. It would be well if we studied these inspired utterances until the transformation of thought, which must inevitably follow, enabled us at least to glimpse the kingdom of heaven.

As one studies the history of nations or of individuals, it becomes obvious that the process of disintegration commences when a nation or an individual begins to believe that it is a power in itself. From childhood's days we have been taught, "I the Lord thy God am a jealous God," and have been warned against serving pride, personality, ambition, self-love; in short, against all claims to deify mankind instead of according all power and glory to God. Those who would have the world believe they are some great ones should indeed be awakened by Jesus' rebuke, "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not. . . . How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?"

There have been many leaders in the world's history, and the outstanding feature of each and every one who has blessed the human race has been meekness or humility. We read of Moses, of whom it was said he was "very meek;" of Jesus, who told his followers, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do,"—a most wonderful exemplification of true humility and spiritual understanding; and of Mrs. Eddy, who refused the honor and glory the world would fain have forced upon her, preferring to point out, instead, the way of God, and bidding her students to follow her only as she followed the Christ.

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