HUMILITY
STEP SIX Alcoholics Anonymous
HUMILITY IS NOT THE ACT OF TELLING EVERYONE HOW MUCH I SUCK.
| Humility One definition of humility: To be aware of one’s own character defects. False humility on the other hand, is to belittle one’s self or take a false view or statement of one’s self in a belittling way. For instance to know of yet to deny one’s own spiritual gifts, positive traits, abilities, good behaviors, intelligence, and maturity. These examples are the epitome of false humility. Denying our good behaviors and traits is a dishonest way of trying to show that we in fact are humble, however it is dishonest therefore listed under “false humility.”
Starting our day from the stance of a humble heart will prompt us to ask our Higher Power for help. For instance if we have humility we ask God to remove our character flaws that we may better do His (or its or Her) will. Humility protects us from making decisions out of false pride and ego. Hypothetically if we were thinking with our false pride we may assume that we could handle a drink or a drug without consequences. Yikes! A humble addict mind knows his limitations yet accepts its high value in the eyes of God. If we are thinking with ego we assume we don’t need anybody’s help including a Higher Power. A humble person does not consider him or herself more important than others nor does he consider his opinions above that of other people as a rule. We should consider ourselves to be on the same level as all humankind though many of us are in a different place spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, physically, and mentally than others. Humility knows that we all have shortcomings and come from different starting points. Therefore we do not possess the all encompassing knowledge that it takes to judge others fair & accurately. We don’t know how people were raised, we cannot see on another person’s heart or what has led them to where they are presently. Humility does not harshly judge other people. “We have quit the debating society” (big book) therefore to avoid argument we generously say: “You may be right.” Humility is able to say: “I was wrong and I am sorry” without any buts behind it. We can identify our patterns of character defect by working steps four and five. When we do step six and seven it further aids us in identifying our character flaws. We do this not to condemn or belittle ourselves but so we can ask our Higher Power to remove those flaws on a regular basis. Sometimes God removes a flaw from us and other times we must work on our flaws by self-restraint, fifth step confession, and a daily request for God’s help to resist that flaw. Working the steps are an act of humility in itself and a foundation to further our good character. Mathew 18:3 |