I was at the annual "Guitar Pull" event (sponsored by the PR firm McCain and Co.), where several talented guitarists and singers line a room full of people and take turns playing songs. Kelly Minter started things off with a devotional about bringing sacrifices to God in broken clay pots. She made the analogy about how the GMA Convention was a place where the attitude was always "presenting your best," or "bringing a polished clay pot," but God wanted to use a broken one. It goes against the grain to be this way, but Jesus did start off His most famous sermon with the words,
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Nowhere in their is there room for a haughty spirit or an attitude of being "the coolest person in the room." You don't have to try to be a slob or a messy person to be humble. If you are just who you are and forget or choose not to worry about impressing people or making yourself look better, then I believe you are being humble. It's kind of a "no more, no less" thing. "False humility" might include trying to "slide down" the vanity scale, as well as being fake. Being of lowly stature doesn't exactly mean to slunk your shoulders and mope, either. But being aware that you really are no better than anyone else in the room will likely keep you in proper perspective. Jesus really hammered this message home when he talked about going to a big event -- "Don't look for the seat of honor or a place upfront. Take a seat in the back. If the bridegroom sees you, he may elevate you to a seat of honor, and then you will be honored." One of the lessons is certainly: "Don't seek honor."
These are all good reminders in a setting where making a good impression is such an important-sounding thing.