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SCRIPTURE READINGS
JEREMIAH 2:4-13
HEBREWS 13:1-8, 15-16
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. The opposite of humility is pride. It is the feeling that one is more important than 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. If we want to be exalted by God, then we must watch and guard our lives against two sources of ungodly pride. We shall reflect on two sources of ungodly pride and consider Jesus’ example of humility. We shall reflect on the following points:

1. Spiritual infidelity is the source of pride.
2. An obsession with money and materialism is often the source of pride.
3. Jesus is the source of humility and exaltation.

Firstly, in the bid to feel very important or even more important than others, some people do not wait for God’s appointed time of exaltation but seek exaltation and power from other gods. Seeking help from other gods or idols to be exalted in society is spiritual infidelity. God is greatly offended, and we commit a grievous sin when we stray to idol worship or go to other gods for sustenance and assistance. It is for this reason God said to the Israelites,  “…What fault did your ancestors find in me, that they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves…“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me,

the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” (Jeremiah 2:5,13). In other words, spiritual infidelity, which is a source of pride, brings us to a state of worthlessness and emptiness. Paul explained to the Roman Christians that those who practice spiritual infidelity are destroyed by God when he wrote, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. (Romans 1:18-23). However, Isaiah assures of God’s renewed strength and spiritual exaltation or elevation when he said, “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) Beloved in the Lord, let us not depend on other gods or idols as our source of pride or elevation but totally humble ourselves and remain faithful God; our creator and sustainer. In His own time, He will renew strength and exalt us.

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 would rather opt to associate themselves with the 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.

Thirdly, Jesus is our example of humility and exaltation. 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). He further demonstrated this humility when he said to the disciples, ““You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:13-17)  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 society.

In summary, beloved in the Lord, spiritual infidelity is the source of pride. Again, obsession with money and materialism is the source of pride. However, Jesus is the source of humility and exaltation. 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.