We live in a society that favours the mighty and powerful, so we grow up wanting to be mighty and powerful. The mighty and powerful are respected in all parts of our society because they are ‘important’. In our families, the uncles and aunts who are powerful are respected. We see this in our churches too, there
are members of the congregation who are feared because of the power or status they hold. In the places where we work, we are often told we have to present a boldness about ourselves so that those we work with must never think we are weak or cannot stand up for ourselves.
I am not saying that we should be weak or allow people to disregard us, self confidence is a
good quality. Sometimes we are rude, selfish and disrespectful and this type of behaviour is mistaken as confidence. A self-confident person is one who is not threatened by the presence or the gifts of another. This is a person who knows that they are loved and valued by God. They respect others for who they are: loved and valued by God. There are no limitations or restrictions; it doesn't matter what their background, economic status or sexual orientation is because we all bear the image
and likeness of God.
The Lord invites us to be humble. We are invited to look to Jesus as a model of humility. We often think we cannot be humble and confident as Jesus was. It is when we are humble that the Lord will lift us up. Humility opens us up to service, love and peace. There is power in being humble and calm. As with most spiritual disciplines we need to
practice and develop this virtue with the help of God.
Are you challenged by the Lord’s invitation to humility? Spend a few moments in conversation with the Lord about your challenges and listen as He responds to you.
