Invitation #3 - Less Presumption/More Humility

Presumption is a slippery thing. We have a legal system built on presumed innocence until proven guilty. I'm glad to live in a country that has that presumption. But when it comes to relational situations presumption is generally considered a negative thing. We can easily feel disrespected and diminished if another presumes to know us and what we are living. Relational presumption gives the vibe of superiority and superficiality. And as Doctor Phil asks, "How is that working for you?"Humility is the antidote for presumption. Humility is the capacity to acknowledge what is true. Committing ourselves to what is true means we are willing to acknowledge and embrace what is true for my soul as well as the souls of others. So we admit the truth that we are often so presumptuous that we don’t listen well.Humility in very practical terms means will speak less, and become more intentional to simply listen. Humility means we won’t presume we understand, or have the all the answers. Humility is willingness to accept I don’t even understand myself fully.  Humility is willing to accept that some folks have a hard time getting it, especially me.Humility fosters in our soul a disposition of receptivity by helping us get beyond proving we are right, or competent, or essential, or in charge. Humility admits that we are all on a journey and some days we understand and other days we are as confused, perplexed, baffled, or just plain old stuck. Humility facilitates our finding our place in submission to God, literally under God. Everything in our culture and in our false self resists this submission. We are not given to relinquish this level of control over our souls. But it is what we need.So can we hear and respond to God's invitation to humility so as to avoid presumption? What will in mean for you to be less presumptive? How will you listen with more humility?