Humble Thyself

Is it possible to be humble these days?

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’ - Luke 18:9-14

In the parable, Jesus praises the man who bows his head and admits to God and the world that he is a sinner, unworthy.  How many people do you know who do that?

Each day I check out LinkedIn, the networking and social media site for business professionals, and I am struck by the number of posts that boast.

I am honored to be chosen as...

That's how many start, with a photo of a person holding an award, or standing in front of a building, the headquarters of their new employer.

One does not get noticed if one is humble.

That's the point, isn't it?  Getting noticed, getting attention, is its own reward.  When we boast about our greatness, our egos feel good, and we leave satisfied.

But when we humble ourselves, we push aside the need for praise and we go about our business.

Jesus said the humbled man will be exalted, while the one who exalted himself, will be humbled.

It may happen in their lifetime.  They may not have to wait until death, when they appear before God.  So, why not be surprised?  Why not choose to be humble, and find that the world raises you up?

If it doesn't happen, you lose nothing.  But if it does, how cool is that?

More to come...