Some years ago, I was cutting an avocado, and my cousin commented on the way I was cutting it. It was different from the way she cuts avocados. She wasn’t judging my way of cutting it; she was just interested that I cut it differently from her.
We do things differently; we think different things; and while sometimes there is an objective right and wrong, often there isn’t. For instance, in the way one cuts avocados.
There might, however, be a better way. Maybe there is less waste in one way than in another. Humility is essential so that we can learn from each other.
And that, Dear Reader, applies to all of life. Humility is an invaluable virtue.
We all think we know best (myself included). But if we ask others honest questions with an openness to learn, we will grow.
“Why do you think that?”
“Why do you think that’s the best way?”
“Where did you get that information?”
“How did you come to that conclusion?”
“Have you considered xyz?”
Perhaps if we humbly seek to understand others, they might ask us questions as well, and be open to understanding us.
Because of the echo chambers we live in, the information we get as supposed facts could be information that another person has never heard, and vice versa. Not just that, but our echo chambers often paint the other side as dangerous, and the people who hold different views as bad, or at the very least, very ignorant people.
Some years ago, someone heard from someone else my stance on a particular matter and, as a result, decided they wanted nothing to do with me. In my opinion, second-hand information is not enough to justify such drastic measures. Then again, there’s not much that warrants taking such drastic action. Over a year later, this person asked me for my reasons for my stance, and I explained. They didn’t change their mind, but realized that I had rational reasons for my stance, and that I was not a crazy person. They apologized, and we resumed our relationship.
We all know so much less than we think we do. And I admit, that’s a little hard to take. But it’s true, and the sooner we realize it, the better.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; ESV). Unfortunately, pride seems a more natural, predominant attribute. Humility – not so much. But we can ask God for his help and work on it. I want to. It’s better for me, and it’s better for our world.
