Lesson in Humility

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)

​STRIVING FOR INDEPENDENCE

I remember a television commercial for aspirin where a young woman with a headache was stirring a pot on the stove. An older woman behind her asked if she had used enough salt. Frustrated and in pain, the woman shouted, “Mother, I’d rather do it myself!”

Doing things by yourself was a goal of the times. We all strove for independence. We still do. The world tells us to be proud of ourselves when we need no help from others. I was.

My legs are growing weaker. I try to rise from a seated position using my leg muscles alone but eventually resort to using my arms to push myself up. Climbing stairs is slow and wearying. I need to take two steps for each riser – and that’s possible only by using a railing to help pull up my weight. This makes it hard for me to carry anything. Frustration moves through me much faster than I can move through space.

As part of our church’s leadership team, I am included in twice-a-year overnight retreats. We all bring meals, drinks, and extra food (along with our personal belongings). My fellow leaders see me struggling, so they help me carry my things inside. They ensure I have a main-level sleeping room and the most comfortable chair.

During breaks between work sessions, everyone loves to take walks in the woods. I know if I were to join them, I would slow them down. I feel embarrassed; they feel guilty. I would enjoy the fresh air and conversations, but I assure them I am quite happy to stay warm inside, having some alone time with the Lord.

LEARNING HUMILITY

My lack of physical ability is more than visible, and though I am told I am valued for other things, my pride is left stinging.

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) – and I do quite a lot of falling.

Stair-climbing is not my only problem. New balance issues lead me to fall for no apparent reason, sometimes even when standing still. I rarely injure myself, but I have trouble standing up again.

Recently, we traveled to Jamaica to escape the Canadian cold. After just a few steps onto our resort’s private beach, I found myself face down in the sand. Before I could even grasp what had happened, five strong Jamaican staff members were waiting to help me up, with great concern on their faces.

“It’s really okay,” I said, laughing. “This happens all the time.”

“This happens all the time is a hard truth to swallow,” I complained to the Lord from my comfy beach lounge. “I feel exposed and vulnerable.”

“Don’t I always have people around to help?” He replied, “All that is hurt is your pride, correct?”

“You’re teaching me a lesson, aren’t you?”

“Always.” He laughed. “I don’t care if your pride is hurt; in fact, I’d like it gone completely.”

“Better for me to learn to be humble than wait for You to humble me, right?”

“Your limbs may be weak, but Your spirit is growing strong, child,” He said.

The words felt like a warm hug.

 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10)

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, forgive our quest for independence. I know it causes You pain when we attempt to do everything on our own, needing no one. You designed us to need You and to need each other. Thank You for Your patience and plentiful opportunities to do better. We love You and need You, now and always. In Jesus name, I pray.

THINGS TO PONDER

• Have you struggled with the need to appear strong and independent?
• Do you truly believe God desires our humility?
• Do you feel like pride rises in unhelpful ways in your life?