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SCRIPTURE READINGS

PROVERBS 25:6-7

HEBREWS 13:1-8

LUKE 14:7-14

SUNDAY REFLECTION

Humility brings exaltation is the theme of our reflection. Humility is having the quality of low self-regard and a sense of unworthiness to serve, relate and work with others. Exaltation on the other hand is the action of elevating someone in rank or power. The theme therefore can be rephrased as, for a person to be elevated he or she must possess humility. We shall discuss two factors that make it impossible for us to develop the quality of humility that leads to exaltation or elevation from God. These factors are:

1. Obsession with power and positions
2. Obsession with money and materialism.

Firstly, it is difficult to develop the quality of humility if you are obsessed with power and position. A person who is obsessed with power and status is most likely to hasten or force himself or herself into a position of recognition or power which is not meant for him or her. It is for this reason we have been admonished by King Solomon, “Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great, for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.” (Proverbs 25:6-7) Again, a person who is obsessed with power, position and recognition is most likely to hold on to power or a position even when it is obvious that someone else has been designated, appointed or elected to occupy the seat. Pride makes us have an over bloated self importance and the feeling of entitlement and superiority over others. It is at this point that humiliation may take us unaware. The Christian life is a life of humility, we must act and speak with humility everywhere we find ourselves. It is for this reason Jesus admonishes us that “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) To show that we are true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must not only associate ourselves with those in power and in high positions in society but also demonstrate our humility to the Lord and our fellow human beings by associating ourselves with those at the bottom of society’s pyramid, class or status. Jesus reminds us that we must eschew classism and in total humility embrace all manner of people, for it pleases God and brings blessings into our lives. “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:12-14). Christians must stand out in the world by living a life of humility to overcome the obsession with power, position and classism in the church and the society.

Secondly, one of the sources of pride is the obsession or love of money and its associated danger of materialism. We are greatly admonished and encouraged by the writer of Hebrews to ” Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” (Hebrews 13:5-6) Many people become proud and change in character or behaviour immediately after they become rich or blessed with material possessions. They shun family and friends and become insensitive to their needs. They rather opt to associate themselves with the rich and affluent or a network of rich folks. Obsession with money and material possession or wealth may render us blind to the realities of life and the most important thing about life which is to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33). Again we take a cue from Paul’s admonishment to Timothy concerning the rich and those who are obsessed with money and wealth “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) We must remain humble regardless of our riches and wealth in life, that is the only way we can serve humanity and God and also please Him.

In summary beloved in the Lord, humility brings exaltation, however, obsession with power and position, and obsession with money and material possession may make us proud leading us to miss the blessings of humility which is exaltation to greater heights by the Lord Himself. May the Holy Spirit empower us to remain humble in spirit regardless of our positions, power, riches and wealth in life. May our lives be a living sacrifice of humility and service to the glory of the Lord. Amen.