Andrew Murray on Humility

Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you. - Andrew Murray

In my study of the Third Beatitude, “Blessed are the Meek, for they shall inherit the earth,” I ran across several references to Andrew Murray’s Humility—and many called it “life-changing”!  This month, I took the opportunity to read it.  It’s a series of meditations on the humility that draws heavily from the Bible.

God knew I needed this emphasis in August 2018.  I’m beginning to hit a stride at work as a leader of HR Executives at NASA, and later this month I’ll be honored with NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal—recognition for my service to the recently-retired Johnson Space Center Director, Dr. Ellen Ochoa.

Given this level of success, it would be easy to get “puffed up,” prideful, and self-reliant.  That’s why Jesus’ words are so powerful.  He points out that the “meek” inherit the earth—those who recognize that God is in control and that we need to empty ourselves, so He can fill us up.  So, my prayer today is, “Lord, may I learn the Humility that Andrew Murray describes.”

May these meditations serve you well, as you shoot for the stars!

Click here to see my summary of Andrew Murray’s 1895 classic on Humility

Humble Inquiry

As we explore The Beatitudes from Jesus Christ’s Sermon on the Mount throughout 2018, the most recent one is “Blessed are the meek.”  What leadership principle best exemplifies this particular beatitude?

In one of my leadership tips, I encourage leaders to “Ask Questions…Don’t Give Answers.”  Similarly, John Maxwell notes that Good Leaders Ask Great Questions.

Another book makes a similar point.  Edgar Schein’s Humble Inquiry explains the gentle art of asking instead of telling.  It’s a great resource for leaders to put “meekness” into practice.

 Click here to explore Schein’s Humble Inquiry further.