Humblest the Greatest!

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"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Js 4:6)


William Carey (1761-1834) who came to India as a missionary and translated the Bible into many Indian languages had earned much respect among the learned men and high officials of the City of Calcutta. He was quite influential too. Once he was invited by the Governor General of India for a dinner. One of the guests, referring to Carey, said to another, "Isn't this Carey a shoemaker?" Carey turned around and said to him, "No, Sir! I am just a cobbler!"

Almost everyone desires he must be more eminent than others— more distinguished in stature — more important in leadership — more honourable in social status. Even the disciples of Jesus were not an exemption. Once they debated among themselves, "Who is the greatest?" (Lk 22:24). "The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the leader like the one who serves," said Jesus (v26). Wasn't His motto, "Not to be Served but to Serve" (Mk 10:45)? He was the very embodiment of humility because He had descended from Heaven to earth and selected a manger instead of a mansion. He humbled Himself still further and carried His obedience to the extreme of death — even the death on a Cross! (Phil 2:8). We are admonished, "In the true spirit of humility let us esteem more highly of one another and outdo one another in showing honour" (Phil 2:3; Rom 12:10). Beloved, do not consider any work below your dignity. Didn't Jesus wash and dry the feet of His disciples (Jn 13:15)?

People feel proud of their education, influence, stature, Church, caste and what not. "What is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God" (Lk 16:15c). Nothing of these will accompany anyone after death. All glories of this world are nothing but trash. Knowing this Paul said, "For Christ's sake I have lost everything and considered them rubbish..." (Phil 3:8).

Some consider that scrupulous living is the outcome of their ability. Remember God rejected the prayer of the Pharisee who boasted of his devotedness. The Bible entreats, "Let him who thinks he stands firm, take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor 10:12).

Andrew Murray (1827-1917), the author of about 250 books and pamphlets, writes in his book, Humility, "The root of all virtue and grace, of all faith and acceptable worship, is that we know that we have nothing but what we receive, and bow in deepest humility to wait upon God for it."

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