Sometimes the most dynamic life examples are right in our face and overlooked, which is also the example that Himmler represents. Himmler (the infamous Nazi) was a narcissist, a me-first person in a way that might be more extreme than others. He saw everything through the filter of what benefited him, his desires, and his priorities. He had a family and considered himself a family man while having affairs. He felt completely morally vindicated to do to others without concern for their suffering or death. He was the primary planner of the holocaust. He was the creator of the SS, which were the primary perpetrators of the atrocities that occurred in every level and area of the war.

He, who did not resemble the aryan image at all, wormed himself in to power and did whatever it took to stay and rise up in power. He was infatuated with his influence and position, believing all others had to recognize him as he saw himself, a power base of authority and position. Those beliefs were a delusion which were only possible because of the overall system in place at the time. Once Himmler faced the “truth,” all delusions were destroyed. The truth will always show up. We just can’t predict when.

Himmler overextended himself because of his false beliefs by trying to broker a treaty with Britain and America against Russia without approval from Hitler. He did this out of hubris and the feeling that his presumptions about power and himself were all true. He was convinced in the accuracy of his own thinking, but he was wrong.

Himmler was a criminal and completely untrustworthy in the eyes of all but himself. America and Britain broadcast his offer and their refusal to the world, solidifying the working arrangement with Russia and showing that nothing but total surrender was acceptable. Himmler lost his bid and all power and influence in one moment. Hitler put out a “all positions taken, find, and kill” order. Himmler was now on the run from everyone with absolutely nothing to recommend him. He was captured and committed suicide, the complete fall and destruction of all he believed. The truth stood firm and could not be denied.

Humility is the ability to recognize and realize that you might not be all you’d like to think you are. It is the ability to hear truth beyond your preferences. It is willing to hunt for truth that might be uncomfortable because you have values in God and His virtues which supersede your own. It is the ability to be corrected or be hurt by others without becoming bitter. It is the ability to recognize that being your own god is a bad deal which will never end well. One of the greatest gifts God gives us is a perspective that shows us that He is God and we are not. Knowing who is God opens the door for healthy life and relationships with self and others, especially with Him.