Josemaria Escriva’s “17 Signs of a Lack of Humility” – Look Familiar?
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In his book, The Way, Furrow, The Forge, St Josemaria Escriva lists 17 signs of a lack of humility.
If we’re honest, these 17 signs of a lack of humility are not unfamiliar to us at all because we all exhibit some of them.
If you want to fight a flaw, it’s good to know what they are.
So gird your loins, and here we go!
The Way, Furrow, The Forge
JoseMaria Escriva’s 17 Signs of a Lack of Humility
- Thinking that what you do or say is better than what others do or say.
- Always wanting to get your own way.
- Arguing when you are not right or — when you are — insisting stubbornly or with bad manners.
- Giving your opinion without being asked for it, when charity does not demand you to do so.
- Despising the point of view of others.
- Not being aware that all the gifts and qualities you have are on loan.
- Not acknowledging that you are unworthy of all honour or esteem, even the ground you are treading on or the things you own.
- Mentioning yourself as an example in conversation.
- Speaking badly about yourself, so that they may form a good opinion of you, or contradict you.
- Making excuses when rebuked.
- Hiding some humiliating faults from your director, so that he may not lose the good opinion he has of you.
- Hearing praise with satisfaction, or being glad that others have spoken well of you.
- Being hurt that others are held in greater esteem than you.
- Refusing to carry out menial tasks.
- Seeking or wanting to be singled out.
- Letting drop words of self-praise in conversation, or words that might show your honesty, your wit or skill, your professional prestige.
- Being ashamed of not having certain possessions.
Cultivating Humility Resources
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- Abandonment to Divine Providence
- An Introduction to the Devout Life
- Cultivating Virtue: Self-Mastery with the Saints (Can’t recommend this enough)
- Divine Intimacy
- Humility of Heart
- The Imitation of Christ
- The Practice of the Presence of God
- The Sinner’s Guide on Amazon
- The Sinner’s Guide – Free Online
- The Way of Humility
As someone who is coming up on 2 years sober, I struggle with achieving and maintaining humility every single day. It’s probably the single most important quality, along with willingness, necessary for successful long-term recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous, and it’s incredibly difficult for some reason. I used to think I was humble but I actually just had low self-esteem; I was arrogant as all heck and also made sure everyone knew how smart I was. Didn’t occur to me that my intellect is God-given and meant to be used to lift others, not make them feel bad about themselves.
❤️
I think a good way to grow in humility is to accept everything that happens in a day and try to thank God for it, good or bad. And also to thank Him for all the good and bad that is in ourselves while trying to do our best. Easier said than done. And, as the saints have said, never think of yourself above anyone for any reason, no matter if true or not.
It’s a balance isn’t it? Accept what comes our way, but still do our best with the talents and strengths God gave us! Great comment!
Agreed 🙏🙏