A man names Bob was promoted
Vice President of his company. Really went to his head. For weeks he was
telling everyone. Finally his wife said – hey, it’s no big deal. These days
everyone is vice president of something. They even have a vice president of
peas at ACME. So Bob calls ACME – Let me speak to the Vice President of
Peas? Reply – fresh or frozen. A lesson in humility!
Today we meet three
people in Bible who received lessons in humility.
Isaiah – great vision
of God - Woe is me, I am lost . . .
Paul – last of all he
appeared to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an
apostle.
Peter – Leave me
Lord, I am a sinful man.
All three – humbled
in the sight of the Lord.
Humility is an
important virtue in the Bible.
The opposite of
humility –is Pride - one of the 7 deadly sins.
Pride can lead to:
Vanity – depending on
the approval of others. Most fragile form of pride.
Conceit – put down
others to raise up self. Always
comparing
Arrogance – I am
better than others
1) Humility is not
low self esteem - if you have a poor
self image, think you are not as good as other people, cannot look others in
the eye, will not stand up for your rights
- this is not humility
God wants us to have
a healthy respect for self – as well as others.
We are sons and daughters of God!
2) Humility has to do
with how we view ourselves in relationship to God.
Electricity comes to
town -
1st family wired house for lights - invited friends over.
Moment came – turned
on the light – wow – oh no. Every cobweb, every crack showed up. In light of God - wow.
Amazing thing =
despite all the cracks and imperfections – we are loved by God!
3) So then - What
return can I make to the Lord for all the Good he has done for me -
Isaiah – I heard
God’s voice – Whom shall I sent, who shall go for us? Here I am, send me!
Paul – By the grace
of God, I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain.
Peter – Do not be afraid,
from now on you will be catching people – and off he went!
Years ago my family
was at Ortley Beach – told sisters I am going to take a walk – looked back and there was my little nephew Kevin
– walking in my footprints – awesome
responsibility - I thought - my life
would work best if I walked in the footsteps of God. And that is humility!!!
