The Bible is clear that we should be humble. A famous song has lyrics that indicate “that it is hard to be humble when you are perfect in every way”. If someone is “beautiful” I imagine it would be impossible not to know it. I’m sure that every last one of them has been told that they are beautiful most of their lives beginning with when they were old enough to talk. The same holds true for being smart. You couldn’t be very smart if you were too dumb to realize it. Good athletes are revered by all and of course, they know it, as are talented artists and musicians. The rich certainly know they are rich and on and on . . .
The question is what does one do with the knowledge that they have attributes that are admirable and desirable?
Consider our Savior Jesus Christ. He is perfect in every way and yet He wrote the book on being humble. If ever anyone deserved to be full of pride, it was Jesus Christ. He owns all of creation and all its splendor but elected to depart His throne and heavenly kingdom to come to this world and be born in a manger in humble circumstances. He worked with His hands as a carpenter, and I feel sure His craftsmanship was of the utmost quality. Despite His vast wisdom and other attributes, Jesus did not require the best seats in the temple, nor did He want trumpets blowing when He entered a room. He did not demand to be hauled around in a Bentley, 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 especially loved children but cared about everyone. He spent most of His time with ordinary people including sinners such as prostitutes, drunks, and the much-hated tax collectors. He loved 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’ve 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; nonetheless, it is achievable. 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 might be a different color or station in life than you; those who are homeless; the elderly; Jews; Arabs; Mexicans; the poor, those whose mistakes landed them in prison, those hooked on drugs and alcohol; those who are uneducated; immigrants; liberal progressive Democrats, and others who are dumber than a rock; (just a stab at humor – calm down).
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 are human beings 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 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.