Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:26-28)
When my wife and I play golf, we are often paired with people we’ve never met. My experience has been that about 95% of the time, the round is an enjoyable four hours with our new playing partners. In fact, we’ve hit it off so well with some that they have become longtime friends.
It’s interesting to reflect on the topics that come up in discussion, particularly with people our age. Many people like to talk about their kids or their grandchildren, and that certainly hits a bullseye with my wife. Some talk about where they are from, their hobbies, their travels, their love of golf – all good subjects for conversation.
Maybe it’s just me, but a few people seem to dominate the conversation, focused on themselves. I remember a golf trip years ago with my son, when we were paired with a solo golfer.
After the first hole, I remarked, “Seems like a nice guy.” My son replied, “Dad, this guy is going to talk about himself the whole round.” And I’ll be darned if he didn’t call it right.
After nine holes, the guy could have said, “But enough about me; let’s talk about me.” In fairness, I think we all struggle with human pride to a certain extent. I know I am guilty.
If you were paired up with Jesus on the first tee, what do you suppose you would hear over the next eighteen holes? “I was just twelve when I taught in the temple, and the rabbis were speechless.” Or “I turned water into wine for my first miracle. Now let me tell you about all the others.”
Does that sound like things Jesus would say? I don’t think so either. That raises a question. If our goal as followers of Christ is to become more like Him, what qualities should we strive to display in our daily lives?
A good start would be the Fruit of the Spirit, outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. But one quality I’ve especially come to appreciate over time is the opposite of pride, and that is humility.
There is so much that could be said about the humility of Christ, but for brevity, let me sum it up by considering the bookends of his life on earth. Jesus left the glory of heaven to come here.
But he didn’t arrive with trumpets and a parting of the clouds; he was born in a stable, surrounded by farm animals. At the end of his life, just hours before the Cross, he washed the disciples’ feet, a task usually done by the lowest of servants.
Shortly afterward, the one who created the world was crucified as a criminal on the Cross at Calvary. In between, he lived the most humble life of anyone who ever walked the earth.
It’s been said that God is not impressed with those who are impressed with themselves. So let’s follow the humble example of our Lord and Savior.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to put aside our pride and to focus on humbly serving you and others to bring glory to your name and your Kingdom. Amen