The Truth About UsSample

Investing in Humility

In Day 2 we talked about cognitive biases. Well, there’s a fun cognitive bias called the IKEA effect. It holds that we value something more if we had a hand in building it. We might even overvalue it. 

I might sell you this well-built dresser for $200, but this other one – you know, the one I sloppily assembled with an Allen wrench while trying not to cuss? – that one will cost you $400.

What does this have to do with self-righteousness?

Well, we really are profoundly, deeply biased toward ourselves. This is why it takes continuing intervention, continuing renewing of the heart and mind, or we slip into making ourselves the standard for all things that matter. We have to actively humble ourselves (the IKEA effect), Scripture says. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10 NKJV).

And it’s not a matter of merely staying humble, because humble is not our default. This is a mind-set we have to cultivate.

When Jesus tells me He is the teacher and we are all the students (see Matthew 23:10), He’s giving me a reality check. I am not The Standard by which good and evil are judged. I don’t get to grade everybody’s papers. If I want to think otherwise, He says, well, I will be humbled (see Matthew 23:12).

It’s taken me a long time to understand this, but I think I finally get it, thanks to the IKEA effect: When Jesus tells me to love my neighbor and even to love my enemies, and to “do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you” (Luke 6:27–28), He’s doing me a favor. He knows if I assume the posture of a servant and humble myself, I will see reality more clearly. I will invest others with value when I pour myself into them. 

That’s literally what it means to bless – to add value to someone. I will regard them as more and more valuable as I actively serve them.

My obedience changes my heart.

What are some actions you could take today to put yourself into a position of humility?