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In the Bible we’re frequently told that we should be humble, but humility doesn’t seem to be the way to get ahead in this world. How can a Christian be humble and still be successful
If you’re looking in bookstores or online for books to help you be successful, you’ll find titles like Winning Through Intimidation, but I doubt you’ll find a book entitled Finding Success through Humility. That wouldn’t be a best seller, because humility is viewed as a liability rather than an asset in the business-world and elsewhere.
Well, where does that leave those who are Christians trying to make a living in the world’s business environment? Is the Bible’s challenge for us to humble ourselves, as Jesus said, or to wear humility, as we read in Colossians 3, compatible with our desires to succeed in our careers?
I believe the answer to that question is yes when we understand the real meaning of humility. What most people think of when they talk about being humble is not the real meaning of the term, but rather a false humility.
Have you ever met someone who acted very humble but somehow you just didn’t feel it was sincere? That kind of false humility never impresses anyone and gives humility a bad name. When we try to demonstrate our humility, then it’s pretty certain we don’t have it!
For example, refusing to accept compliments graciously is not real humility. Saying degrading things about yourself is not a sign of humility. Refusing to accept rewards or recognition for what you’ve accomplished is not a sign of humility.
Humility is a natural outcome of learning who we are in comparison to who God is. When we are in a life-long process of constantly learning that everything we are and everything we do is because of who God is, then humility becomes a natural characteristic. But it does not make us into a door mat nor does it keep us from achieving goals and ambitions. Indeed, true humility helps us in the business world.