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Humble beginningTuesday, February 19, 2008
Matthew 23:8-12 "The greatest among you must be your servant.
"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
The paper today is full of news about five students killed last week at Northern Illinois University. The students, and even the killer are remembered by those who love them. Most of what they remember is positive. Jesus sees no reason but selfishness why we can't all have eulogies full of praise and honor. Don't take credit when it isn't due, don't mistake myself for God, remember my equality with every man and practice it. I play many roles in my life. I am son, husband, father. I am employee and employer, follower and leader. In certain circumstances I could play the roles of slave or master, inmate or guard. But Jesus wants me to understand these are only roles, made more important than they should be because we have lost our natural built-in connection with the Center, with God. We co-depend on each other in ways that were never intended and quickly make each other too important (and God not important enough) to our perceived happiness. So Jesus offers us servanthood on the way back to Eden. He insists that I ignore every temptation to put myself first. In so doing I teach my body and soul the nature of humility, and in time discover it's the only way to live. You told all of us clearly enough: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." Thank you. |
The dictionary equates exalted with "glorified, praised, honored." When my father died, and then my aunt, several people stood up and exalted them during their funerals. These friends and relatives shared stories about their generosity and humility.