Humility

Humility

I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.

Luke 18:14

One of the few times my family watches TV is during the Olympics. We are drawn to various aspects of the Games, but we especially enjoy learning about the athletes who are competing. Some seem personable and humble; others appear proud and even arrogant. One such athlete was recently quoted in the newspaper as saying, “Defiance is fun!” Hmmm. There was nothing endearing to us about that.

In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus told the story of two men who went to the temple to pray. One went to brag about how good he was, and the other went to admit his sin and beg for mercy. Curiously, the one who bragged left with more distance between himself and God than when he walked in. But the man who came recognizing his sin and begging for mercy was pronounced justified by God. He was brought into a closer relationship with God.

In the Olympics, I’d rather watch the interview of a humble person than a proud person. In my home, I’d rather have my child approach me with a humble attitude than an attitude of pride. Apparently God feels the same way about us. When he observes our thoughts, our words, and our deeds, does he see humility or pride? Humility is endearing to God.

Father,

Hardly a day goes by that we don’t struggle with pride of some sort. We confess it to you. Thank you for pictures in the Bible that help us to see how much you value humility. In Jesus’ name, amen.