In his book, Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness, Gavin Ortlund offers “Ten Practices to Kill Pride” (pp. 27-41). Take note:
- Work at listening. Humility actually values the input of the speaker. You don’t need to control the conversation.
- Practice gratitude. This draws attention to the blessings in your life. Just think: what a gift to be alive!
- Learn from criticism. Assume that there’s something to gain from it. A good test of humility is whether or not a person is teachable.
- Cultivate the enjoyment of life. A humble person can receive the simple pleasures that come one’s way as gifts from God.
- Embrace weakness. Don’t avoid situations where you might be vulnerable. You don’t have to be good at everything.
- Laugh at yourself. This can be healthy and freeing and life-giving. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
- Visit a cemetery. As you walk, contemplate James 4:14, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Then give thanks for this life now while you have it, and rest in the promise of heaven.
- Study the universe. Against the backdrop of God’s massive creation, you’re absolutely tiny.
- Meditate on heavenly worship. Remember, angels are worshipping the ascended Christ right now. “It’s more difficult to think too much of yourself when you remember what is currently riveting the attention of the mightiest angels.”
- Bathe everything else in humility. “Since the essence of all sin is pride, the essence of all progress against sin must always be humility.” The humble heart rests in God’s grace.
