Humility with Others

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.