What could be even worse than someone who always wins? Someone who knows they do and also gloats over it. There is no pleasure in watching these kinds. What we may otherwise admire is destroyed because of the even greater contempt we now have developed for these people. So what whenever they are good? If they behave as if they rule the entire world, then it is just not admirable. There was the famous heavy fat boxer who modestly called himself The highest. Before his high he was undoubtedly mighty at his or her trade, and had a few admirable qualities. “The Greatest” he was not. Past his top, with body and mind going to seed, his title has been an ironic laugh. There was practically nothing left to enjoy. What is amazing and praiseworthy can be someone who, though excelling, is humble with it. They don’t strut around with self-importance badged on their chest. They only did their utmost. In these people you can admire the achievement, and also the person. We praise these people on two records.
Humility is an important part of a new believer’s character. We may receive praise for a thing, but it doesn’t do to bask within the glory and ignore it to our mind. Why should we spoil a great work? The Pharisees did some good works, but by proudly publishing their accomplishments “they had his or her reward”. They got the praise of men they wanted. They even thought they might get an assured eternal reward simply because they were that good! No doubt we were holding a little surprised at Christ’s responses. Pride spoils achievements. It blinds us to the faults and makes us devalue the particular part that Lord has played. So let us not spoil our own hope of answer. Some of the best men in the actual Bible were only great because of their humility.
Moses was the most modest of all the men of the planet earth – God’s words and phrases not ours. He had of which poor speaking words which made them feel he wasn’t around the task. In fact, he was and so humble and unassuming he repeatedly had authority challenges from people who felt they could get it done better. Although he had good reason not to take action, Moses humbly took around the faults of some others, and appealed to God for the kids and his. What leader right now would accept others faults? What leader currently became a leader because of their humility? What voters these days would vote with regard to someone displaying being humble? What God admires is usually humility. We can all do this. Being humble is the grasp of every one of us, whether we are generally incredibly gifted or fashionable or whether we devalue our personal abilities or don’t have confidence. One way to be humble is to consider past failings. The apostle Paul did this, bitterly regretting his persecution in the church. Paul may already the greatest with the apostles, but he called himself the smallest amount of.
- Striving For Spiritual Greatness - June 9, 2012