One of the many traits we are to carry with us as Christians is humility. As God sets the example for all that we are, as we are made in the image of God, then God must be humble.
Humble…Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance. Lower in dignity or importance.
Without a doubt God is humble. Not only has God humbled God’s self and became human, God humbles God self every day when we are given free will and we choose to play god. God humbles God self when God comes to care and love us unconditionally in our brokenness caused by our selfish desires. God humbles God self as God forgives, over and over. God is humble.
How are we to live out the humbleness of God?
“It is hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way.” At least that is what the old country song says. In truth it is hard to be humble when we live in a society that encourages perfection. When we are in competition to succeed, to be the best, to let it show, in everything we do, say, wear, live, etc… Yet, learning to be humble is paramount in living the life God requires of us. (Micah 6:8)
Wayne is probably one of the most humble men I have met in a long time. I met him this past weekend as we cleaned and painted my mother-in-law’s home. Wayne is very knowledgeable about a ton of stuff, especially about home improvements. And me, well let’s say it is not how I will ever make my living. As we worked together, Wayne never “showed off” his knowledge or his expertise, in fact he went out of his way to stay in the shadows.
I did not think about Wayne’s humbleness until I was heading home and I realized what he had taught me. Not what he taught me about home improvements, what he taught me about humbleness. Wayne was not afraid to make a mistake (not that I would have known). He was willing to defer to other’s judgments. He was teachable (there was this new airless sprayer thing). He helped others (even to stop what he was doing). He was gentle, kind and considerate. I never heard him brag or tell a story about himself or what he had accomplished. He was loving and kindhearted. He worked from early in the morning to late at night, and never brought attention to himself or his work.
Wayne was a great gift and example to me about how to live out the humbleness of God. Wayne reminded me of how I should be living, how I want to live. Thank you Wayne, you have inspired me.
