Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear ADONAI [the LORD] and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3:7-8
Six Healthy Benefits from Humility. It hit me a while back that Proverbs says that there are health benefits to those who practice humility. So, I thought I would check that out. Do other health professionals agree? Guess what? They do.
After a bit of research, I learned that psychologists are becoming concerned about the mental and emotional health of our nation because ours is now a culture that promotes narcissism. As a result, there are many medical and theological studies going on.
One study found post-traumatic stress disorder in one Christian denomination’s clergy that “was higher than that of post-deployment soldiers.” (The denomination has requested not to be identified.)
According to psychologist, Dr. Jeremy Dean, a study reported in 2014 that there are 8 ways humility can improve our life. I chose 6 but encourage you to read the article linked at the bottom of this devotion.
Six Life Benefits to Humility:
- Soothes the soul: humble people are better able to cope with the anxiety associated with our mortality. As children of our Heavenly Father and redeemed by His Son, we know our death only ushers us into His presence. That’s soothing to the soul for certain.
- Excellence in leadership: humble leaders are better liked and more effective. A humble leader is going to be more transparent and better able to live a life of integrity and truth. That means they are more trustworthy. If we value a humble leader the culture around us is emotionally healthier, too.
- Better work performance: as people of honesty and integrity they make better managers and employees. Everyone appreciates a humble person in the work environment. They are giving to others and can contribute to the overall success of a company.
- Less prejudice: humble folks don’t have a sense of entitlement. This encourages us to be more tolerant and giving. And, forgiving.
- More helpful: another study showed that humble people were more generous with aid and time. Humble people will help without their own agendas driving them. They help for the purity of helping.
- Better relationships: humble souls accept others for who they are. Humble people can build stronger bonds based on the other person’s wellbeing as well as their own.
The medicinal value to being humble is that we are less stressed
with the pursuits of our own agendas above wisdom. When we’re less stressed our bodies are healthier.
Humility is more than having a “realistic self-awareness of one’s strengths and limitations, the capacity to regulate emotions of shame and pride, and a concern for others.” As children of the Most High, that realistic self-awareness is because we know who God is. We know we are minuscule in comparison to Him. And because He has forgiven us, we must forgive others. That places us in a proper perspective — humble, forgiven, and loved. And that’s a good thing.
Think More About It
Have you taken the journey toward humility? Humility is a choice and is different that allowing humiliation from someone.
Until tomorrow, may we take steps in the journey toward humility.
Make me a sign for good,
so that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed.
For You, ADONAI [LORD], have helped me and comforted me. Psalm 86:17, TLV
As we pray, let us request that Israel will be a sign for good to the nations. God bless you.
Excerpts taken from: https://www.spring.org.uk/2014/04/8-practical-ways-being-humble-improves-your-life.php
