False Humility vs. True Humility
In today’s Gospel, we get some guidance form Jesus who reminds us the importance of staying humble always.
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 12)
That is a powerful statement from our Lord today!
I wonder if we can misinterpret these words because we do not understand difference between “False Humility” vs. “True Humility”.
Does Jesus want us to hide our gifts or be shy about expressing our talents?
- Absolutely not!
Let’s call to mind another moment earlier in Matthew’s Gospel, when Jesus was teaching His disciples:
“Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5: 15-16)
When we read this verse from Jesus, when He was speaking to His disciples during His famous Sermon on the Mount, we can be clear about what he desires for our gifts and talents.
Jesus wants us to share our gifts and our talents! Jesus wants you and I to give glory to God precisely by using our gifts and talents - the gifts and talents that He blessed us with!
That’s last point is the important thing to remember when we read today’s Gospel passage and strive for the life of humility that Jesus calls us too.
True Humility always remembers that the gifts and talents we possess are not our own - they are gifts from God. False Humility, on the other hand, forgets about God’s presence in our gifts.
True Humility - gives glory to God.
False Humility - gives glory to self.
Our gifts and talents should be expressed and shared with others, but we must never forget how we received those gifts and talents in the first place.
Every gift and talent you have in life was a blessing given to you from God himself!
God blesses all of us with these incredible gifts and talents because He loves each and every one of us.
Furthermore, when we sharing our gifts and talents with others, it helps others recognize the love and goodness of God present in their own lives.
So today, as you pray with the Lord. I want to encourage you to reflect on two things in particular with Jesus:
Jesus, show me the gifts and talents that you have blessed me with in my life.
- As you pray and ask this of Jesus, whenever a gift or talent comes to mind, give thanks to God for that blessing He has given you.
Jesus, how can I better share these gifts and talents with others in my life this week?
- As you pray and ask this of Jesus, grab a pen and paper. Make this time of your prayer-time actionable. Write down the ideas Jesus gives you for sharing your gifts this week. Make a plan for how you are going to take action on what Jesus is calling you to do.
About the Author
Nick Longo is the Director of Evangelization & Youth Ministry for Holy Family Catholic Church.
He loves working with our parish, but his favorite job is being a dad for his two amazing children, Eden and Linus.
Nothing Nick does would be possible without the love and support of his wife, Christina.
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