Article April 18, 1936 Issue

True Humility

EVELYN SYLVESTER KNOWLES

NO description can present a spiritual characteristic as clearly as can a living example of this same characteristic. We may be given a definition of humility, for example. It may be described as selflessness; a just appreciation of others; a desire to honor another before oneself. Or we may turn to a dictionary and find exact terms in which it is defined. These, however, will not enable us fully to understand this quality; we must see it exemplified in individual character in order to grasp its true value.

A noble example of this particular virtue, humility, is found in the character of Moses. When leading the often rebellious children of Israel through the wilderness, he was confronted with criticism, ingratitude, disloyalty, hatred, and unmerited blame to an astounding degree. Yet there was no resentment, bitterness, or retaliation on his part. The law to forgive seventy times seven had not yet been proclaimed. The moral law of "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" was still in vogue. But Moses displayed the Christlike qualities which were yet to be fully brought to light by the lowly Nazarene, whose patience, compassion, and forgiveness exemplified humility in a degree unknown before.

The noble prophets who followed Moses could not have accomplished their so-called miracles and wonderful healing works had they not imbided something of the gracious spirit of the Christ, a spirit afterwards inculcated by the Master when he said, "I can of mine own self do nothing;" "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works;" and, "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God." We might assert that the teachings of Christianity are inseparable from such expressions of humility. They are important steps leading to the kingdom, and none may evade or avoid them.

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