February 2: Dawning of Humility, the Doorway to True Wisdom
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. C.S. Lewis
Gregg’s Reflection
For a decade after I left the business world to pursue my calling from God, one thing was missing: a dose of failure that would open the door to humility. I had enjoyed a successful 25-year career and took credit for that success. In the years after, I poured my energy into creating transformation across the Lutheran church — but I did it in my own strength.
It took the collapse of that project, combined with physical ailments — a heart condition, a knee that needed surgery, and a month in bed with a bad back — to bring me to the brink. In that season of pain, I didn’t ask God to remove it; instead, I asked Him to show me what I needed to learn through it. Reading the book of Job, I realized that I had trouble letting God be God. Deep down, I still wanted to be the savior myself, to prove my worth.
I also came to see how much of my early success depended on factors beyond my control — the privileges of my upbringing, my education, even my physical stature. Recognizing this brought a profound shift: the dawning of a grateful heart. It is all grace, all blessing. Sure, I worked hard, but it’s easier to climb the mountain when you start halfway up, not down in the valley.
As long as I believed I was the author of my success, I did not really depend on God. Richard Rohr says success teaches us nothing beyond our mid-40’s. From then on, we learn mostly by failure.
Scripture
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5–8
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Ancient Quotes
Without doubt, this descent and ascent can signify only that we descend by exaltation and ascend by humility.
The Rule of St. Benedict, ch. 7 “Humility.”
Wherever divine wisdom leads, let us go.
Origen
Modern Quotes
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (Book IV, ch. 8)
The Kingdom of Heaven is really a metaphor for a state of consciousness; it is not a place you go to, but a place you come from… The hallmark of this awareness is that it sees no separation — not between God and humans, not between humans and other humans.
Cynthia Bourgeault, CAC Morning Meditation, 11/18/20
Journaling Prompts
- What life experiences have helped you grow in humility?
- How has humility opened the door to deeper wisdom for you?
- Where might God be inviting you to take a humbler posture right now?
- In what ways has success been an obstacle to a deeper relationship with God?
- How has God used failure, pain, or suffering to break through your ego-centered life?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 5 Reflection: Consciousness/Awareness