Modern-Day “Humility”

Humility is “the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people : the quality or state of being humble” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humility

This was revealed during the 2014 NBA Championship between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. The media spotlight was clearly on the Miami Heat, with their proclaimed “Dream Team” trio of Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James. A “three-peat” was easily predicted for them to win. 

However, everyone seemed to snooze on the quiet resilience and power of the San Antonio Spurs and their power players Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and players Danny Green and 23-year-old Kawhi Leonard. The team showed great class and humility by letting their skill on the floor “do the talking.”

They refused to be considered a “three-man Dream team” by elevating every player on the court. They not only won the Championship by a 4-1 sweep of the series, they rejoiced in Leonard being named 2014 NBA Finals MVP, the youngest since Magic Johnson in 1982.

However, what was so amazing was Coach Popovich’s refusal to be on stage or even interviewed when the Championship trophy was awarded, choosing to stand in the background and uplift his team. He truly exemplified Harry S. Truman’s quote: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

The Bible says:

Philippians 2:4 (NKJV): Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

James 4:10 (NKJV): Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Proverbs 11:2 (NKJV): When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.

Luke 14:11 (NKJV): For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Powerful Quotes:

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis

“Pride is concerned with who is right; Humility is concerned with what is right.” – Ezra T. Benson

“True humility is staying teachable, no matter how much you know.”

Exercising humility is something that may appear small in the world’s eyes, but is profound in the eyes of the Lord…