THE MISSING VIRTUE

Humility is the state of mind. When it takes place in you, it transcends from the inward to your outward disposition in life.

According to the dictionary, it can be defined as the quality or condition of being humble, modest in opinion, or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, status etc.

The origin of humility: it originated from the Latin word humilitas.

The synonyms are lowliness, meekness, submissiveness.

The antonym: PRIDE.

Today in our society, humility has turned around to be a virtue that seem to have been outdated. People no longer visualize it as a virtue which must be inculcated into our life style. It's now seen as a thing observed by the low class. If you're seen exhibiting humility, you'll be term old fashioned or not classy.

Biblically, it was stated in the book of Matthew 5 during the sermon on the mount, where Jesus Christ was admonishing his disciples He thus said “Blessed are the meek: For they shall inherit the earth." This invariably States that humility has its own pay on earth.

Humility is now a lost virtue among youths in our society and it’s absence can also be seen most adult.

Today most youngsters don’t seem to deem it fit to stand up for an elder who has no place to sit.

The Bible still sees it as a quality of being courteously respectful to others.

Being aggressive,arrogant, boastful is a clear sign of the absence of humility

To draw back this lost virtue in our society, we need to start inculcating it to our daily life style. Parents, guardians, teachers, preachers should rise to this clarion call to input this indisputable virtue into the growing ones

We should get to understand that this virtue tends to lubricate relationship and marriage. In a situation whereby misunderstanding ensues among two parties, it takes humility for one party to throw in the towel just for peace to reign. If only people will learn to imbibe this virtue, I don’t think we will keep hearing the chaos that take place in our society. Humility makes you say 'I'm sorry' and other soothing words.

For every relationship to last, humility must take its full course. One person should mellow for the other but the question is how many persons wants to go down for the other to rise.

When we desist from wanting to be the centre of attraction, and start letting others step into the spot light, we tend to exhibit this virtue thereby putting smiles on the faces of others. That is a wonderful achievement.

As Lewis would say, "True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less."

Humility, does not drain you of yourself worth, rather it affirms the inherent worth of all persons. Some people with myopic view of life tend to see this virtue as a physiological malady that interferes with success or self recognition.

But also remember that for the fact you are humble does not give you an avenue not to stand for your right and correct anyone who wants to infringe on your right (that should be done with courtesy).

This also gives you an edge in learning. It tends to make you open to learning from any angle of life without feeling big or proud to ask.

Jesus exhibited humility by willingly pouring out His life. He had the power to destroy His enemies but He yielded. Humility is dying to self and letting others have their way. And that you do without feeling bitter knowing that you are inwardly greater and awesome.

The revival and need of this lost virtue cannot be over emphasized. Therefore let’s bring our collective efforts to see that this virtue bounce back to life. Meekness is spiritual brokenness. This carries a beautiful aura and attraction.

By: Chukwuemeka Esther Chidimma
Date:24/04/2020
Contact: estherchuks342@gmail.com