Mormonism: Humility

Mormonism and Humility

What is Humility? 

Mormonism teaches that humility is the love of God above all other and the absence of the various forms of pride. Dictionary.com defines humility this way: "the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc." We must be our own judge of our humility in this life; Jesus Christ will also be judging us in this life and the next.

The scriptures give us many examples of humility as well as direct teachings. The prophets often express their humility before God in scriptural accounts... Moses, Job, Paul, and many others.
In the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 9:42) we can read: "The wise and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches -- yea, they are they whom he (God) despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them."
Alma 5:27 reads: "Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye  have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?"

Unfortunately, many of us don't acquire humility until we are in a desperate situation and need God's help! Although we are still acceptable to God if we are compelled to be humble, it is best if we humble ourselves without being compelled. I admit that I'm one that has had to be compelled -- sometimes with my arm twisted behind my back -- before I humble myself, let go of my own will, and open my heart and mind to God and His will.The Hebrews were in the wilderness with Moses 40 years before they became humble enough to be led to their promised land... I must be like them ;) However, if we do become humble... "Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:12

How do we become humble? 

We read, study, and listen with our hearts to the words of God. The words of God are available to us through books of scripture (historical recordings of prophets) and   modern-day prophets. Also, trying life circumstances can humble us if we be careful not to rebel and blame God for our misery. 

How do we exhibit humility? 

We pray often and fast (go without food in order to weaken our physical bodies and more easily feel/sense things of the spirit). We submit to trying life circumstances and turn to God for guidance and comfort. We believe and follow Jesus Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds. We give gratitude to God for all things in our lives -- the good and the bad (which provides us opportunity to learn and grow).

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