BEHAVE Act with Respect, Self-Control, and Humility

Dominador M. Orpilla,
PhD P-I, Rizal Elementary School

Doing things, the right way without error is a tough job. This is the most difficult thing to do for most people on earth because no one is perfect, all humans are just perfectly imperfect. Like it or not, all humans are imperfect. Perfection is an ultimate that cannot be reached (Lazarsfeld, 1991). Hence, it is inevitable for humans to act differently to different faces and kinds of people. Well, there are a few who think first before they act or react to something but behind their minds and deep in their hearts they are just lying. However, some people are grateful for saying the truth and they mean it. Maybe it is human nature really that makes people behave and act toward others differently. While most people have the best intentions and desires to act properly, Caldwell et.al. (2017) believe that people still struggle to become the best version of themselves because humility requires a means through which individuals can pass through the difficult path to self-control. However, with humility and respect, people enhance their ability to see themselves precisely, understand others as they truly are, and be true to their potential greatness.

Act With Respect

How does one know that somebody is behaving the right way? Is saying or doing good things to other people enough manifestation that one has good behavior and respect for others? Being honest to oneself and others counts. People’s actions would tell what is really in their hearts. There are options for people’s hearts as well. Because their hearts are always changing, one cannot say that all feelings are the same. There are hearts filled with love and respect but also there are hearts filled with hatred and complaints. Seemingly, they are the same humans, but people who have negative hearts and no respect at all may not be happy in their lives because negative thoughts and feelings can make one feel sad and anxious. They take the joy out of life, and they can take a toll on their physical health. That is why it is important to learn how to deal with them (Healthwise Staff, 2021).

In the educational context, teaching the school learners the value of respect is very essential. However, adults like teachers and parents must model this kind of behavior for the children to acquire and apply to their daily living and be able to pass on the same to the next generation. Respectful people are those who show consideration and regard for someone or something. By simply turning down one’s videoke music when it gets late is already showing respect to the neighborhood. In a deeper sense, being respectful is being thoughtful of others’ feelings, listening to and paying attention to other people, acknowledging one’s presence, and saying thank you to someone who does something good and the like; but always remember that respect must start with one’s own self. As they say, respect begets respect.

Act With Self-Control

More so, when people do not have the ability for self-control, the tendency is for them to live according to their own will. And probably after making some mistakes in life, that is when they realize they are wrong. So many questions are bothering them. Many people have regrets in life. Until such time that they are passing their faults to other people. This is the time that people must think deeply first and develop the ability to control their desires. Self-control is the ability to manage and alter one’s responses to avoid undesirable behaviors, improve desirable ones, and reach long-term goals. Research has shown that having self-control can be important for health and well-being. Having good self-control is connected to a few benefits including better academic success, better health, and greater success in life. If one is struggling with self-control, there are steps he/she can take to get better at managing desires, delaying satisfaction, and controlling one’s actions to achieve the goals one wants to accomplish in life.

Act With Humility

Humility is an attitude of spiritual simplicity that comes from understanding one’s place in the greater order of things. It entails not taking one’s desires, achievements, or failings too seriously and it makes people better learners and intellectuals. Moreover, humble people are not only more thoughtful, and respectful, but they also have stronger self-control as they know what they are always doing. Simply letting someone ahead in line when he/she sees that person in a hurry because of an important reason is an act of humility as well as cleaning the office even if one is the boss of the company. In a deeper sense, humility necessitates kindness to people and serving them without asking for something in return. In the educational context, the school leaders are the managers of the school. They lead teachers and manage all school operations. In the same manner, other instructional leaders provide technical assistance and guide all schools and their personnel to perform better their roles, especially in curriculum delivery and instruction. These educators are in a way expected to also perform their duties as humble as they can. They must be inspired by what the holy son did when he came to earth. Because these leaders even teachers at the schools must serve with all their hearts and not be served.

Nowadays, though everybody is so busy doing a lot of things, he/she must still find time or room to think deeply about this question, Am I behaving and reacting to something or somebody with respect, self-control, and humility?
Of the three acts, humility has the most impact on people because it entails the others. As the bible says, “Humble yourselves in the existence of the Lord, and He will elevate you”, James 4:10. With a mindset of selflessness and insignificance, God will lift one up and he will give him/her purpose.

In conclusion, it is in valuing others and in recognizing their greatness that people affirm others’ highest potential and their divine nature. This acknowledges the insight of Hugo (2013) that “To love another person is to see the face of God”. Humility enables a person to exercise self-discipline and wisdom, facilitates self-control and patience, makes faith possible, and strengthens the bonds of love according to Worthington (2007). Hence, humility accelerates good behavior, self-control, and respect and makes it possible for individuals and organizations to achieve their highest potential.