Alma teaches that there are two kinds of humility. There is a right kind and a sort of less right kind. If we are compelled to be humble because of difficult afflictions or circumstances, that is, I suppose, one thing. But that kind of humility only sometimes leads to true repentance and a turning to the Lord:
13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.
The other kind of humility is when we humble ourselves of our own free will and choice, regardless of our circumstances. In times of peace and plenty, as well as in times of turmoil and affliction and want. This is the kind of humility that really brings the blessings of heaven:
14 And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?
15 Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty.
16 Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe (Alma 32).
This is the kind of humility I should seek with all my heart. To be humble because of the word. This means always keeping the Lord and His will continually in my thoughts and seeking His will above my own. I think that is the humility the Savior exemplified, always choosing His Father's will over His own.
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