Which personal attributes are most appealing to you in other people? One of the most important to me is to observe humility. Humble leaders, servants, winners and losers, teachers, preachers, friends, colleagues, and family members. This attribute kept coming to mind this week while on a business trip to our corporate office where I had numerous interactions with many people that I’d either not seen for a long time or who are new to our organization.
When I recounted conversations and described someone to another person, I found myself saying that he or she is very humble whenever this value stood out. It is one of my “checklist” attributes with similar rankings as being honest or wise.
Humility doesn’t mean being shy or weak. From my observations, I believe humble people are able to learn fast as they accept what they don’t know, they make great servant leaders as they put others’ needs before their own, and they are easily approachable which helps facilitate meaningful relationships. Further, when I meet people of great humility it in turn humbles me because I realize I’ve got a lot more work to do.
Today’s reading: Amos 7-9; Matthew 15
In Matthew 15 there’s a story of a woman who begged Jesus to heal her daughter who was severely oppressed by a demon. Initially, Jesus dismisses the woman yet she persists and lowers herself by kneeling before him, calling him Lord (or Master in some versions), and referring to herself as a dog, a lowly and undeserving creature.
She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” (Matthew 15:27)
Humility also shows in what we don’t ask for: She wasn’t asking for power, wealth, or even sustenance; merely the healing of her daughter. Like this woman, it is our choice as to how we respond to Jesus Christ who gave everything for us; for our sins of the past, present, and future. He gives us mercy and grace every single day. He gives us life, love, and hope for eternity. We can either fall at his feet with faith, accepting him and calling him Lord or refuse him as we falsely elevate ourselves in denial of our own faults and failures.
“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed. (Matthew 15:28)
Will you humbly accept him today?