Humility?

Something To Think About Humility,. 9/19

Often--maybe always--vice lives right next door to virtue.  This is true beyond any doubt with the virtue of humility, and several rather sneaky vices. The Bible counsels that we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12:3), and that we should give preference to one another in honor (Romans 12:10).  However, one who fails to admit to certain abilities that he has--capabilities that exceed those of others--deprives others of the benefit of those strengths.  Prestige or respect is sometimes a necessary ingredient of leadership.  For one to "humbly"refuse anything that smacks of honor can prevent one from being a blessing to others.  Too much humble-pie can cause one's waist to swell with a perverse sort of pride, while allowing the muscles of service to atrophy. Hard work is a virtue the book of Proverbs frequently upholds, yet the notion that "I can do whatever needs to be done by myself." is a mark of pride. We need the guidance of God's word and the Holy Spirit to navigate the difficult route.  Sunday morning at CBC we will look at Peter's counsel to live humbly. It's Something to Think About.

Leave Him Alone

Much was made of the fact that newly elected Pope Francis fetching his own luggage and personally settling accounts at the hotel where he had stayed during the conclave to select a new Pope.  Here is the lead from one article:  "Pope Francis put his humility on display during his first day as pontiff Thursday, stopping by his hotel to pick up his luggage and pay the bill himself in a decidedly different style for the papacy usually ensconced inside the frescoed halls of the Vatican."  (NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press 4:24 A.M.MARCH 14, 2013)

I don't accept the authority of the Pope, but my article today is not so much critical as sympathetic.  I wish reporters would leave the guy alone.  Acts of humility, and religious activities, like praying--the Pope's prayer at church right after the hotel visit was also widely publicized--ought to be private.  Listen to what the Lord Jesus had to say on this.  Any righteous deed done for the purpose of display is not a righteous deed at all.  As perverse as it is, one can be proud of his humility.  Such is the depth of depravity.  

So, if Francis errand to fetch his stuff and pay his bill--in a regular car, no less--was a sincere act of humility, he wouldn't want it spread worldwide.  If it was not sincere it shouldn't be publicized.  

Meanwhile back in Covington VA, I pray that the Lord will help me to "not to think more highly" of myself than I ought.  A sober assessment would lead to the truth that if I have anything worthy of note it is from God.  (Romans 12:3)

 

It's STTA.