Humility is a cornerstone of Christlike character, embodying a deep recognition of our dependence on God and a sincere acknowledgment of our imperfections and incomplete knowledge that leads to being teachable. As taught in Preach My Gospel, humility is not about thinking less of oneself but thinking less about oneself, prioritizing the needs and welfare of others over personal ambitions and allowing the Lord to strengthen you as you do His will. This principle is especially important in a religious workplace, where humility can enhance spiritual and professional environments.
Teachings from Modern and Ancient Prophets
The scriptures are replete with teachings on humility from prophets of old. The Savior Himself explained, as noted in Ether 12:27, “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”
King Benjamin offers a poignant lesson on humility in his address to his people. He reminds them to “always retain in remembrance the greatness of God ... and his goodness and longsuffering towards you” (Mosiah 4:11). This reflection encourages us to recognize our reliance on divine grace and mercy. In our united efforts to further the mission of BYU, we need divine strength and guidance, which we can gain as we trust in the Lord!
Modern-day prophets and apostles have also frequently spoken on the importance of humility. President Gordon B. Hinckley taught, “I believe the meek and the humble are those who are teachable. They are willing to learn. They are willing to listen to the whisperings of the still, small voice for guidance in their lives. They place the wisdom of the Lord above their own wisdom.”
Elder Richard G. Scott emphasized the transformative power of humility in his talk How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for your Personal Life, stating, “Humility is a fertile soil where spirituality grows and produces the fruit of inspiration to know what to do. It gives access to divine power to accomplish what must be done. An individual motivated by a desire for praise or recognition will not qualify to be taught by the Spirit. An individual who is arrogant or who lets his or her emotions influence decisions will not be powerfully led by the Spirit.” This metaphor highlights humility as a critical ingredient for spiritual growth, community harmony, and even workplace success.
Humility in the Workplace
Embodying humility can significantly improve the atmosphere and effectiveness of any workplace, BYU included. Cultivating humility involves regular self-examination and a conscious effort to align one’s will with God’s. This can be achieved through:
- Prayer and Scripture Study: Begin each day with a prayer asking for guidance and strength to serve others humbly. Regular scripture study helps keep the principles of humility as well as the will of the Lord at the forefront of your mind.
- Seeking Feedback: Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth. Feedback is a gift that can help us improve if we receive it with a humble heart.
- Respecting and Serving Others: Look for opportunities to respect and serve your colleagues. President Thomas S. Monson reminded us to prioritize people over problems, which can be applied in the workplace by behaviors such as active listening, empathetic exchanges, and offering a helping hand when colleagues need one.
- Recognizing Others' Contributions: Give credit where it is due. Acknowledge the efforts and successes of others, which fosters a spirit of cooperation and unity.
- Avoiding Pride: Elder Ezra Taft Benson warned that pride is the opposite of humility. Pride can destroy the spirit of cooperation in any environment. By focusing on collective goals and the well-being of the team, or focusing on the Lord's will instead of our own, we can create a more harmonious workplace.
Conclusion
In a world that often glorifies self-promotion, personal achievement, and getting ahead even at the expense of others, the gospel of Jesus Christ calls for a different path—a path of humility. Embracing humility allows us to draw closer to God, foster loving relationships, and create a productive and spiritually enriching workplace environment. By following the teachings of the Savior and the counsel of both modern and ancient prophets, we can develop this essential attribute and find lasting peace and fulfillment both professionally and personally.