Humility, according to Confucius (Kong Fu Zi), is the solid foundation of all virtues. When a person's character is rooted in humility, virtues such as patience and courteousness won''t be a setback. Humility is subtle, as Christian author Roy Zuck asserts. Humility is a strange thing; the minute you think you've got it, you've lost it. If you know you're humble, are you still humble? Thus, humility is also a test of character.
Humility played a significant role in the ministry of St. Benedict, the "Father of Monasticism." He authored the Rule of St. Benedict which is a compilation of spiritual teachings that involves his learning and experiences as a monk. In addition, he dedicated one chapter to humility and shared the twelve steps guide on how humility is characterized in our attitude. More simply, humility can be seen in three levels.
The first level of humility is about being conscious that your life is not your own. Having that awareness might include understanding that behind you is a Divine Creator who is the very reason why you are still alive at this very moment. In a nonspiritual context, once you have come to realize that you can never make it on your own then humility exists. John Donne's famous line "No man is an island" accents the significance of other people in each person's life. People are social beings; thus no person can live a meaningful life alone.
In this second stage of humility, you're becoming more unselfish. You now have that willingness to place yourself in a lower position to give way to others. You begin to consider the desires or needs of others above your own. You don't try to be in control, and you don't insist what you wish anymore, Instead, you're more willing to serve others rather than please yourself.
Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest but also to the interest of others." This biblical principle states that humility is not something that you can strive for but humility is intentional and a by-product of noble character toward other people. It doesn't mean that you have to be perfect in all your ways. It simply suggests that it takes extra efforts to be humble.