Depths of Humility

Humility. In the 1828 Edition of the Webster Dictionary part of the definition states; “...a modest estimate of one’s own worth...a deep sense of one’s own unworthiness in the sight of God, and submission to the divine will.”

We can read of a strong example of humility in The Book of Mormon.  In Mosiah 21:1-14 the King Limhi and his people have been enslaved by the Lamanites and are required to pay a high tax by the Lamanite King.  After a time the afflictions became almost unbearable and in verse five it says that the people claimed that there was “no way that they could deliver themselves out of their hands….”  The Nephites then turned to war.  They wanted to fight their way out of the afflictions they were in, with their own strength.  After THREE consecutive lost battles the Nephites “humble themselves even unto the dust…”  I find this pattern so insightful and can be applicable to my own life.  It begs so many questions such as:  How did Limhi’s people humble themselves even to the dust?  Did they get liberated?  What was their process of change?

We learn in these verses a model on how WE as individuals and a people as a whole can humble ourselves.  After three consecutive losses at battle they had a change and  in verses 13-14 it states,

“13 And they did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies.

14 And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.”

A few things that jumped out to me were that they, “subjected themselves to the yoke of bondage…” and that “they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God…”  I found that humility is not merely subjecting yourself to others in bondage, or being weak and not fighting back.  It is much more than that.  Humility is understanding your reliance on God and submitting to his will.  And almost more importantly; as we submit ourselves we are to “cry unto (our) God...even all the day long…”  We are to rely on HIS arm, not ours in moments of affliction.  In this part of the Book of Mormon the people of Limhi had to pass through this moment; it was God’s divine will at that moment.

How many times do we, do I, find ourselves trying to rely on OUR own arm or strength, to be able to “pull through” the week or “ace an exam” without crying unto the Lord?  I find it a common pattern in my own life: studying, eating and social life all come before scripture study or deep personal revelation and meditation.  Just as the people of Limhi sometimes I try to fight harder and harder to keep my head above water, when all I have to do is counsel with my loving Father.  Just like the people of Limhi the Lord will help us “...begin to prosper by degrees in the land.”