Sometimes our perception of ourselves is different from those around us. I heard a story the other day that seems to make this point in a crystal-clear manner. A father and his 45-year-old-son had just finished a terrific meal and were preparing to leave when the father realized he’d left his wallet in his truck. His son was flat broke (as usual), but the father wasn’t worried because he had plenty of money in his wallet in the truck.
As they prepared to leave the father stopped at the register and told the young waitress what had happened and that he was going out to his truck to retrieve his wallet and would be right back. . “But don’t worry,” he said with a warm smile. “I’m leaving my son for collateral.” She looked at the son who was admiring himself in the mirror behind the counter and combing his hair. When his father mentioned him, he turned to the pretty young waitress and gave her a “I’m God’s gift to mankind look” and obnoxiously winked at her with a leering grin. She turned back to the father and asked, “What else you got?”
This young man has a long way to go. Perhaps the waitress opened a gate for him. I’ve heard it said . . . “Only a person who has passed through the gate of humility can ascend to the heights of the spirit”. In other words, Humility is the gateway into the grace and the favor of God. All one must do is look at God’s Son Jesus to understand humility as He is the epitome of it. Almighty God Himself washing the feet of His disciples, walking for miles on dusty roads when He should have been in the finest chariot, being scorned, jeered, and treated terribly and through it all He was filled with humility.
Jesus left us with His example. He would be the first to tell us that just because one might have a higher station in this short life does not mean they are better than those in the lower stations. I experienced this when I saw first-hand how I was looked upon when I was dirt poor and penniless trying to claw my way out of my situation vs. after I became a successful businessperson. Jesus cared for the lepers and the poorest of the poor as much, if not more than those haughty rich folks, shouldn’t we emulate Him? Unfortunately, vanity and pride deceive us and destroy humility. Satan appealed to it when he slithered through the Garden of Eden to deceive Adam and Eve and the result was the fall of mankind. So, lest you make light of it, know that this is a serious subject with God.
If you are smart, beautiful, rich, famous, a superb athlete or fabulous cook give the credit to God for His blessings. Without Him we are nothing; with Him, we are heirs to His throne and everlasting life. Thanks to His grace and humility we are alive.
2 Chron. 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.