Where Humility and Confidence Meet

When I was a teenager, there was a family in our church who was beautiful and talented. The parents, along with their three precious daughters, had a singing ministry they shared with the local churches. The father in particular was very proud of his children and spoke freely about how blessed he and his family was.

What I recall is the church folk criticizing them for being TOO confident, so "full of themselves", arrogant and boastful. I can remember saying to one of these observers, "maybe he is just telling the truth". This did not go over well with the older, wiser members and I clearly got the message: It is dangerous to feel good about yourself.

Why is it that humility seems to be so much more valued than self-assurance within the spiritual warrior? This is not to say that confidence should replace humility, but I do believe that both are essential. It is maintaining a balance that is challenging, I think.

Perhaps Grace is where humility and confidence meet.

Do you ever feel reticent to express your talent, your abundance, your happiness?

What do you think the balance of humility and confidence looks like?