A couple of weeks ago I went to Nashville to hang out with a friend of mine, Isaac, who’s trying to break into the country music biz. He wanted to show me around and take me to hear some good music.
We went to one place called “Roberts Western World” and heard an amazing band, with one of the best lead guitar players I’ve ever heard (there’s a Youtube clip below of him). But the bass player, Dave, was the really talented player. He had that “I know I’m good but I don’t have to show off” personality. Anyway, when the band takes a break Dave grabs the tip jar and works his way through the crowd asking, “tip for the band?” I figure the guy is just trying to eek out a living, starving musician and all that, but I was wrong. When Dave came to our table Isaac tells him they need to get together. Dave’s response floored me, “I know, I’m just slammed, I’ve been in Memphis the last couple of weeks playing on the new John Mellencamp cd”. What the? I thought this guy was broke and trying to make it but turns out he’s one of the more sought after studio players in town.
So how does a guy go from playing for one of the biggest rock acts ever to walking around with a tip jar? One word, humility. I honestly have never seen humility modeled so well. Dave was thoroughly unimpressed with himself. He was using his gifts and talents to the fullest, no matter where.
That lesson really hit me hard. I’ve spoken to fairly large crowds enough that I was beginning to think that’s where I deserved to be. What a jerk. The truth is humility is about doing what you have a passion for wherever you get the chance.
One of the components in the popular image of manliness is of a man with a cocky swagger. Humility seems totally at odds with this image. The world’s idea of humility is weakness, submissiveness, and fear, but nothing could be further from the truth. Real humility is actually strength, authentic confidence, and courage. It is the mark of a true man.
Here’s a couple of idea of how to develop humility:
- Give appropriate credit-Everybody loves to get recognized for their contribution.
- No name dropping- Here’s a secret for you, nobody cares who you know.
- Do what’s expected but shut up about it- Can’t we do something just because it’s the right thing to do?
- Stop playing “Yeah but I……..” game- A humble man can hold back in a group conversation. He knows that others have interesting stories to share, and his turn will come.
Oh, by the way, I’m the chief among sinners on this topic.
Another verse from the Bible that’s worth remembering:
“Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor” Proverbs 29:23
