Humility with others begins with a right recognition of who God is, who I am , and who others are. Here is a quick summary:
Who God Is Who I Am Who Others Are
God/Creator Not God / A Creature Not God / A Creature
Greater Have value Have value
Holy Sinner Sinner
From this right recognition should flow the right response:
I will not act as if I am morally superior to others (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee thought he was pretty good. As Christians we can think we are pretty good. But no matter how good I am, I am still a sinner. In God’s eyes, we are all sinners deserving judgment. I cannot act as if I am morally superior to others.
I will not act as if I am more valuable than others (Luke 18:15-17). The disciples didn’t think Jesus had time for children, but Jesus welcomed them. We all have the same value as image-bearers of God. I cannot think I am more valuable because of my age, gender, race, nationality, personal convictions, or anything else you want to come up with. We all have value in God’s eyes. I cannot act as if I am more valuable than others.
I will not act as if if the world (including others) revolves around me (Luke 20:45-47). Again the Pharisees acted as if the world revolved around them: look at me, honor me, be impressed with me. They acted like they were gods. Not that they would ever say such a thing, but that is how they acted. Too often so can we: selfish ambition, greedy for honor and praise, showing off, caught up with self, and the list goes on. But I am not God; I am only a creature. The world revolves around God, not me. I cannot act as though the world revolved around me.
May God help us to recognize our place in the universe and act accordingly.