Be Humble & Strong
After going through an intensive 1 week of orientation and training for my new job at the Hubspot’s Cambridge office, I noticed something that consistently stood out — most of the American new hires in my class were all super-confident. They love to ask questions, comment on various issues and share stories about their own lives. For instance, after our instructor has ended her session, she would ask if there are any questions from the class, and at once, three to four hands shot up in the air. What’s even more impressive was that the Americans can hold their conversations for a substantial time — they will ask a question, and after the instructor has replied, they will comment on it and bring up examples they have experienced in their own lives.
So what makes them so confident and bold? I was strolling through the Boston Public Garden on a cool Sunday afternoon (Singaporeans will love the current weather in Boston now) and time and time again, I observed a trend — the American parents would give freedom and affirmation to their children. One particular example was that I saw a mother trying to get her 4–5-year-old daughter up a tree and when the child finally “perched” herself on a huge branch, the mother was really excited and praised the child openly. Another example was that a father would allow his 3–4-year-old boy to roam near to the edge of a shallow pond to play with the ducks. The Americans celebrate their children’s small achievements and accomplishments.
Well, if these were Singaporean parents (not to generalise), the last thing they would want is for their children to climb up a tree or to go near the edge of a water body. If their children strayed too far off, it would be followed by a shout to chasten them to come back. In fact, most Singaporean parents would discipline their children for doing those things which I mentioned above.
What you celebrate becomes a character. What you control also becomes a character. The reason why most American kids grow up to be confident is probably because they were given praise and affirmation since young. The reason why most Singaporean kids grow up to be shy is probably because they were highly protected and restricted.
I was just listening to Pastor Lia’s powerful message on our declaration of dependence on God and she mentioned that as Christians, we need to be humble because we know that we need God, but we need to be strong because we know that God speaks to us and as we listen to Him, He will strengthen us.
1 Peter 5:6 (NLT)
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time, he will lift you up in honour.
As Christians, let’s humble ourselves before our mighty God. The verse goes on to say that God will lift you up in honour at the right time as well. The word “honour” means respect and esteem. As Singaporeans, if you know that God will elevate you to a position of respect and esteem; if you know that He will empower and strengthen you, be confident! Be bold! Speak up, speak out and make a difference!
Let’s be Singaporean Christians who are humble and strong. Finally, I’ll end an inspiring and relevant quote by C.S. Lewis:
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
Find out more about the amazing church I call home: http://www.heartofgodchurch.org/
