Let humility and discipline be your hallmarks

By Charles Andoh

“God resists the proud. But gives more grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (Holy Bible)

To me one of the profound statements ever made in the Holy Bible is the above quotation. Indeed, the Bible expresses the subject of humility in categorical and unequivocal terms.

Each time humility is expressed, discipline comes into focus. Hence both run concurrently. The numerous dictionaries in the world like; Oxford Advanced Learner’s, Longman and McMillan Dictionaries expatiate on the subjects of humility and discipline with great care and diplomacy.

Humility and discipline are usually expressed in the lives and activities of humans. Over the years, many have raised concerns that the world is looking for great men and women who are humble and discipline to play on the field. Many have even asserted that very soon institutions and organizations will run after humbled and disciplined people. How true!

It is no surprise that today the world has and still does hail great men and women who in one way or the other have shown humility and discipline in all their endeavours. Notably among them are: Jesus Christ (saviour of the world), John the Baptist (who baptized Jesus), Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD (President of Believers’ Loveworld Inc.a.k.a Christ Embassy), Professor John Evans Atta Mills; may his soul rest in peace (immediate past President of Ghana). Others are Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang (minister for education) and His Excellency John Dramani Mahama (current President of Ghana), Manasseh Azure Awuni (2011 GJA Best Journalist of the year), and James Akwesi Appiah (Black Stars Coach). These have led humble and discipline lives that we all can emulate.

Towards this end, the Bible underscores the fact that Jesus Christ upon all the powers and authorities He had, humbled and disciplined himself till death. What a mark of humility! Jesus also testifies about the humility and greatness of John the Baptist. Humble people see the good in others and think of their capabilities. Above all, they are submissive and down to earth.

It is easy to identify the humble and discipline person by the way he or she talks and his or her readiness to serve which always make them great people. Humble people are very respectful and as well kind to others. They are of high moral standards.

Often, people think that those who are humble have an Achilles’ heel of easy compromise. But I always dismiss such assertions with much concern. The Bible for instance records that one time Jesus visited the temple and people were making merchandise. Quickly, Jesus whipped the devil out of them for engaging in such an act in the temple. That is the mark of true discipline and the attitude of the disciplinarian who always holds on to his principles and beliefs and is never ready to compromise. The late J.E.A Mills did something remarkable during his tenure that stroked me till now. When the world wanted him to succumb and kowtow as far as the subject of homosexuality is concern, he stood on his grounds and never compromised on his faith and beliefs. Many have described him as someone who broke the myth behind the presidency because of his humble and discipline nature. He was a great man indeed.

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD exhibits humility and discipline in whatever he does. He never allows his money and fame control him; loves to see the good in others and above all very principled. I always love to see him teach the subject of humility with much passion. That is the kind of man the world needs in this 21^st century.

Coming into contact with Manasseh Azure Awuni makes me know that you have on excuse to be proud in this world. With the kind of person he is, one would think that fame and money would swallow him up. But he has always remained the humble person I know. In fact, I have no doubt in my mind that he is going to be one of the great persons the world has ever produced due to his humility.

My heart is always filled with joy whenever I see His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and Coach Akwesi Appiah with the kind of humility they exhibit. It is always said that humble and discipline people don’t talk anyhow. They are always quite on the outside but giants in the inside.

Conversely, that is not the life of the proud person. He is always proud like the peacock. The proud person can always be identified by the way he or she speaks. The proud is always pompous about his prosperity; and that is dangerous. One great man of God once said: “In every man there is a bit of pride that if you don’t deal with it will, destroy you.” It is no surprise some start from a humble beginning but end up in pride.

Felix Adjei, a student of Ghana Institute of Journalism digesting on the subject of humility said: “Humility is a bitter pill to swallow but if you’re able to administer the dosage it will be a recipe to success.”

What then is the way forward? No matter the field of endeavour you are, let humility and discipline be your best friends. If you are a manager or a leader of an institution, let humility and discipline take charge of you. Never lord your position over your subordinates. If you are a husband or a wife or perhaps a lady or gentleman in search of someone to date, always remain humble and discipline and it won’t be long your humility will pay off.

Until I come your way another time, let humility and discipline be your hallmarks for the rest of your life.

Writer’s Email: charlesandoh28@yahoo.com