Seeking Humility

This is a topic that came up in my meeting this last Wednesday – Humility!  Humble is defined as

1) not proud or arrogant; modest; 2) having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc. 3) low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc. 4) courteously respectful 5) Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful."

Now the question is, how does that definition apply to this scripture about being humble:

But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and ^a watch and pray continually, that ye may not be ^b tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be ^c led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble , ^d meek , submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering; (Alma 13:28)

The biggest challenge I have is to discern between humility and faith (or "confidence waxing strong").  As I think about my job and what I do in business, confidence and faith play a vital role in the success or failure of any endeavor.

How can I be HUMBLE but still have confidence?

I just found this definition of Humility from LDS.org :

To be humble is to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord —to understand that we have constant need for His support . Humility is an acknowledgment that our talents and abilities are gifts from God . It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear ; it is an indication that we know where our true strength lies . We can be both humble and fearless. We can be both humble and courageous. (bold added for emphasis)

It goes on to say that Jesus Christ is our perfect example of humility: he relied on the Father and knew in whom he had trusted.  "I can of mine own self do nothing. . . . I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" (John 5:30)

James taught: "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up" (James 4:6, 10).

So how do I become more humble and put my trust in God ?  How do I accomplish these things:

• recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord: here’s one good example of how Christ did it – "And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed , saying, O my Father , if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will , but as thou wilt" (Matt. 26:39) Prayer is one way to "recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord".  I really feel studying the scriptures and words of the Prophets is another way to show our dependence on the Lord.
• understand that we have constant need for His support: I think going to the meetings has helped me more with this but I’m not sure I completely understand how to receive His support.  Again, prayer is the first step; searching for answers in the scriptures – another.
• acknowledge that our talents and abilities are gifts from God: I think this is one I struggle with most.  I feel I get caught up in my own strength and feel that, because I work hard and never give up, I can do anything.  I need to really search deep and realize that, if it weren’t for Heavenly Father, I wouldn’t have ANY talents or the ability to develop talents.  One of the gifts of the Spirit must be PERSISTENCE and DILIGENCE because I feel that is what Heavenly Father has really blessed me with – a NEVER GIVE UP ATTITUDE!

I think these scriptures explain what I just typed:

And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the ^a gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are ^b different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the ^c Spirit of God unto men, to profit them…And to another, exceedingly great ^a faith ;… (Moroni 10:8,11)

Here’s another great answer:

Nevertheless they did ^a fast and ^b pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their ^c humility , and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the ^d purifying and the ^e sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their ^f yielding their hearts unto God. (Helaman 3:35)

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their ^a weakness . I ^b give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my ^c grace is sufficient for all men that ^d humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make ^e weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27)

So, there are some things to think about and reflect on.  I don’t feel like humilty is being weak or fearful.  I feel like it is primarily being willing to rely on Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, for our support in all things, both temporal and spiritual.  It’s getting rid of the "I can do it by myself" attitude and looking to God in EVERYTHING we do.

Sincerely,

Nate