Developing humility is like learning to walk a high wire. We have to maintain balance. We fall to the “pride” side when we do not take full responsibility for our mistakes and shortcomings, fail to acknowledge our guilt, and try to shift blame to others. We fall to the “self-critical” side when we take on guilt and shame that we didn’t earn and don’t deserve.
Just like a tightrope walker in the circus, we can walk the high wire successfully by using a rod to help keep us balanced. For me the rod is my commitment to fully embrace the Atonement and apply it in my life. In order to do this, I study scriptures, ponder, pray and meditate, take a daily inventory of my shortcomings and turn to the Lord for help to make amends as needed and overcome my weaknesses. The more time and effort I put into these activities each day, the longer my rod becomes. The longer my rod, the easier it is for me to traverse the wire and develop true humility.
- Can you think of a time when you have fallen to the “pride” side of humility?
- Can you think of a time when you have fallen to the “self-critical” side?
- What are you willing to do to lengthen your balancing rod?
Even though I have been in the program for quite a while, I find that I have to pray and read my scriptures every day or my “focus” is off and I find myself thinking judgmental thoughts of others or myself. That is pride and self-criticism. Satan, at least for me, is always there waiting to catch me off guard. I really like this analogy. I do have to stay focused in order to feel the spirit and stay free from my addictions.
I love this analogy!
I also thought of how focused a tight rope walker must be and any distraction could cause a fall. That’s how I have to be with my addiction. Focused each day on staying close to the Lord, or my abstinence is shaky.
Thanks for sharing this!