The Bible is clear that we should be humble. Is there a difference between being humble and merely acknowledging the obvious? One famous song highlights this enigma with its “tongue in cheek” lyrics: “It’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way”.
I suppose if someone is drop dead gorgeous it would be difficult not to know it. I’m sure that most beautiful people have been told that they are beautiful most of their lives beginning when they were old enough to talk. The same holds true for being a genius. You wouldn’t be very smart if you didn’t realize it beginning with the first test you took? Great athletes distinguish themselves by being the MVP, gifted artists paint beautiful masterpieces and people ooh and ahh, and savant musicians are revered by all . . .
So is it impossible for these folks to be humble? Consider our Savior Jesus Christ. He lived a life that was perfect in every way and yet He remained humble, modest and unpretentious. If ever anyone deserved to be proud and be treated like a King, it was Jesus Christ and yet He elected to depart His throne and heavenly kingdom to come to this world that He created and be born in a manger in humble circumstance. He worked with His hands as a carpenter and I’m sure took tremendous pride in His quality work. Though He deserved to be treated like the King of all Kings, Jesus did not require the best seats in the temple, nor did He want trumpets blowing when He entered a room. He was not hauled around in a fine chariot or even ride on an Arabian horse; He walked everywhere he went. He washed the feet of the disciples not vice versa, and He did so as an example to us that we are to serve and not be served.
Jesus loved children and cared about everyone, including the worst sinners (even to include prostitutes, “half-breed” Samaritans and the despised tax collectors). He spent time with the poorest of the poor including lepers. He was in fact criticized for spending time with those deemed to be unscrupulous characters instead of hanging with the elite and the religious hierarchy of the day. Fortunately for many of us, He instructed Paul to spread the gospel to Gentiles who were considered to be “dogs” by Jews in order that we might share in His kingdom along with His chosen people.
I have said many times that we should try to emulate Jesus Christ at every opportunity and while the song states that it is “hard” to be humble; that does not mean impossible. If you are thinking that this does not apply to you because you are not that smart or good looking; then think again. Think about those who are homeless; uneducated; poor and lowly; or even those who made big mistakes that landed them in jail, or got them hooked on drugs and alcohol.
Do you look down on any of those people or perhaps others that I did not mention? What is the basis of your pride? Consider that the very hairs on their heads are numbered just like yours and they were designed by our Holy Father to serve His perfect purpose too. In God’s kingdom there will be no room for prejudice, pride, and hatred.
Treat “everyone” the way that you would like to be treated and you will not have to worry about the humble issue and displaying too much pride ever again. No one likes to be looked down upon or treated poorly especially us.
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise you younger people,
submit yourselves to your elders.
Yes all of you be submissive to one
another, and be clothed with humility, for
“God resists the proud
But gives grace to the Humble”
Therefore humble yourselves under
the mighty hand of God, that He
may exalt you in due time.
January 19, 2015 – Click here to listen