Christians have strong views of what humility looks like, and Donald Trump doesn’t really fit any with most of those views. In fact, many Christians point out his lack of humility as the main reason they don’t like him. This view by so many Christians has really caused me to consider what humility really is. My exploration, while not intending to persuade you to switch your support to the man, has led me to come up with 3 things Trump can teach us about humility.
1. Humility is not thinking less of yourself.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” – Rick Warren
As Christians we often delight in those who embrace their weaknesses. We feel being constantly aware of our sinfulness will give greater honor to God. However, the Bible tells us to think of things in heaven and realize Christ is in us (Colossians 3:2 & 1:27). These things bring you to a greater view of yourself because Christ is in you. Let’s throw off the things that hold us back and realize what God has put in us for the world around us.
False humility is intentionally thinking less of yourself or at least giving the perception of thinking less of yourself. It attempts to get a moral high ground by presenting a harsh view of self (Colossians 3:23). With everything people don’t like about Donald Trump, I’ve never heard him get labeled with false humility.
2. Humility is knowing who you are.
One of the most freeing things you can do as a Christian is to realize who you are in Christ. When you start doing this, you will begin to believe you can conquer the world because that is what God created you for. You were always intended to change the world for good (Matthew 28:19-20). Trump seems to believe he has what it takes to bring his view of good to America. We may disagree with his view or his methods, but he seems to believe his mission is to make America great again.
3. Humility is not a tool Christians can use to judge others.
The more I consider humility, the more I realize that it is an internal work. I can’t tell what’s going on inside your head. Humility can be misread both ways. What may look like humility to me may just be pride on your part to appear humble. And what may look like pride, may just be confidence in what God has called you to do.
It seems Christians use this to attack people they disagree with. The target of such an attack is defenseless against the slander. They can’t claim humility because that proves in our minds they are not humble.
I understand Trump says things that people don’t like. So do many in politics. I’m not saying everyone needs to change their mind on any of them based on this post. What I do think is that Christians should repent of their judgmental attitudes, thinking they know what is going on in another person’s heart and mind. Let’s focus more attention on God and asking His blessing on whichever candidate wins by giving them wisdom, love, and favor.
Thank you for this post. I always felt that humility was either not thinking of myself at all (so I would ignore my feelings, and just try to focus on the needs of others) or beat myself up for my failures. though I still have these tendencies, your description helps my understanding of humility a lot better now.
Thanks
Thank you for the encouragement, Rachel.
Blessings,
Kevin
Interesting perspective, Kevin. C.S. Lewis made your first point. You are in good company. The second point might be better stated, “Humility is living up to who you are in Christ.” Because of God’s grace, giving His Spirit, Indwelling of Christ, and love, a Christian is to walk worthy of who God has made them. In fact, humility binds together everything that a Christian is to be about. Your last point, sadly, can be true. Consider this: Proverbs 21:4 says, “A haughty look, a proud heart…is sin.” A haughty look is external, and a proud heart is internal. I would add this–the outward is a reflection of the inward. Fortunately, Christ can change both in me.
Dear Todd,
I appreciate your kind and thoughtful response.
Blessings,
Kevin