Practical Humility by Charles A. Rhodes

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jan 21, 1913

Practical Humility

By Charles A. Rhodes

In traveling the uncertain paths of life, we all make blunders — some of great, some of less, consequence, both to ourselves and to those with whom we associate daily. True humility, if not a degree of moral courage, is demanded to frankly confess our share in making mistakes. Ofttimes it is so easy to attach the blame to the other fellow, and let him bear the heaviest consequence of the error. We are willing to take the background for the time being, and push the other fellow into the lime-light. Such action is nothing short of moral cowardice, which selfish pride fosters.

We all admire frankness and open-heartedness in others’ characters. Shall we not endeavor to cultivate it in our own dispositions, and be frank and courageous enough to “own up” to our part — however small or inconspicuous our part in the error — when such a confession is evidently required to rectify a mistake? The humility that such a course involves, will not only strengthen the confidence of others in our integrity, but broaden and elevate our own characters in nearer conformity to the true character — Jesus Christ.

CHARLES A. RHODES.