HUMILITY VERSUS TIMIDITY

Humility is a virtue; Timidity is an illness

(Jim Rohn)

Many people seem to get confused when it comes to issues of Humility and timidity. They
are two contrasting things and the difference needs to be drawn. One is very positive and the other,
very negative. Since you would not want to take one for the other and become timid in your attempt
to become humble,you may want to know what the difference really is. This write up seeks to
enlighten those who pursue humility to find its true meaning and act accordingly. As to whether
there will be a confusion or not, a deeper insight of these two concepts is highly required.

There is a confusion somewhere that needs to be addressed.Humility allows us to

celebrate the gifts of others, but it does not mean you have to deny your own gifts or shrink from
using them (Archbishop Desmond Tutu).These concepts look the same and that is the more reason
why people tend to confuse them but in reality, they are totally different. While humility keeps us
humble enough to grasp new life lessons and opportunities, timidity might cause us to hold back due
to lack of confidence. Most of the time, we fail to identify or pay attention to our strengths but
rather concentrate fully on our weaknesses . This leads to timidity especially when you hold the
mindset or have the perception that there is nothing you can do to work around your weaknesses. If
we continue doing this, we will end up whitewashing the very gifts that will propel us forward and
even lead to low self esteem. When people open up with humility, such courageous acts should in
no way be confused with timidity. Just because people are self aware enough to talk openly about
their blind spots and moments of weaknesses does not mean they are incapable of accessing their
own wisdom to up on their own behalves . One thing we need to notice is that, a person’s ability to
openly engage through the expression of personal humility is not an act of timidity but rather one of
deep courage. We can also respect and trust other people’s ability to determine what is best for
themselves even if it means our services are not a fit; after all, we cannot always be right .
Thankfully, everyone and everything is not for everybody , which is one of the many things that
keeps our world alive and interesting . This clearly shows how humble you are as a person.

To get an explicit understanding of these two concepts, two questions will be asked . The
first is,what is Humility? (Philippians 2:3)Humility is a state of being humble and it has its origin in the
latin word humilis meaning ‘low’. Basically, it is thinking of yourself less. It is often thought to occur
in the absence of pride which sees no need for (unhealthy) competition. In humility, you are nothing
more and nothing less than the people around you. It doesn’t require the ranking of things , but it
calls for the understanding of the true value of worth of things. By acknowledging others and
understanding the universal values we all share, you start becoming more humble. It can be a
mistake to think humility is the opposite of self confidence. Being humble does not mean you
cannot be confident. In fact, by being humble, you can become more confident because you are
aware of the value of your actions without thinking they matter more or less. It is a virtue that is
highly upheld and it can help you go really far in life. You don’t need to shy away from
responsibilities in order to be humble. Don’t assume you know it better or that you have nothing to
input. Humility has nothing to do with meekness or weakness but a perfect antidote to the self
fixated spirit of our age. It means living in the faith and accepting that you are not perfect. Many
people think they are humble, when in reality, they are constantly talking about how unfortunate
and low they are, concentrating solely on themselves, which is a hidden form of pride which in the
long run leads to timidity. Humble people neither constantly yield to what other people want, nor let
themselves be oppressed , they simply have a broad and profound perspective on reality, in which
they see their own place without having to debate who is better or worse off. Humility doesn’t
advertise itself but rather acts in silence. People well soaked in humility don’t go begging for
recognition and don’t get discouraged when they don’t get it because their happiness is not
dependent on other people’s opinions.

Furthermore, the next question is,what is timidity?(2 Timothy 1:7).Timidity means

thinking less of oneself, refusing to recognize one’s own strengths,consciously assuming others to be
better than oneself and cowering away from responsibilities, actions and living one’s dreams. It
weakens you,breaks your bones and cripples you, preventing you from taking risks in life and always
having a mindset of failure.Timidity is the senior brother of fear and mediocrity.Timidity will
definitely prevent you from taking chances which in one way or the other would have helped
improve your life. It is very negative as stated earlier in the introduction and indeed an illness. God
wants the best for us and that’s the more reason why he didn’t give us the spirit of timidity. For this
reason, any act of timidity is certainly not from our maker because he only grants unto us good and
perfect gifts, depicting how deteriorating timidity can be.

At this point, it is expedient to Strike the difference between them.From what has
been discussed above, it is very clear that timidity has no relation with humility and therefore there
is no need for any confusion. The difference will further be elaborated in this section.Timidity is
comfortable with the status quo, that is, the present mess; humility seeks to be better. Since timidity
is a sibling of mediocrity, it does not challenge the status quo but stays in its comfort zone even if it
means complete deterioration but humility seeks to be better and so does everything possible to
attain excellence.

We have to choose the right way to go because these two concepts have been
dissected and the positives and negatives have been brought out.(Philippians 2: 5-8,Philippians 12:9-
11).Humility has a whole lot of benefits and as we all strive towards perfection, going the right way
can never be underestimated. Dearest reader,after assessing the concepts of Humility and Timidity,
you now should know the right way to go. Since we all hope for the best, it is needful that we choose
humility over timidity. It is a deliberate and conscious attempt, involving well calculated steps and
efforts not leaving out the power of the Holy Spirit. Get the facts right and choose Humility
thousands of times over timidity. Congratulations, you are on your way to great success and an
exciting life full of good repute as you’ve chosen the right path.

To encapsulate it all,the difference between Humility and Timidity has clearly been
stated and for this reason, dear brothers and sisters, you need not to take one for the other or get
confused . This article has provided you with more than enough enlightenment to know that
humility is one of the greatest and best virtues to pursue. As your mind has been cleared now, it is
my greatest wish and desire that you will become very humble and never timid.

Timidity:I can't do it! someone else should do it,I can't take the risk

Humility: How can I be better at it ? Who do I need to help me with it?How do I learn to do it?

(Lawrencia Kyei Baffour, Editorial/Bible

Study Departments)

REFERENCES

www. Forbes .com,Blizbelle .wordpress. Com,www. Speakingtree.in,www.cleverism. com