Humility

"He leads the humble..."

"He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way." (Psalm 25:9)
I remember driving through the country in a rural area and coming upon a house with a fence encircling the property. Next to the gate in the fence was a sign that read, "Guard dog can reach this gate in 4 seconds. Can You?" The sign was meant to conjure up a moment of humility for the would-be thief, reminding the thief that even with all their cunning and experience, their plans might fail simply because the guard dog most likely could beat them in a sprint. Fearing the business end of the dog, the thief (hopefully) would be humbled and deterred. I couldn't help wondering if a similar sign was posted on my hummingbird feeder warning the impatient bird about the business end of the bee gathering sugar water from the feeder.

Humility is important because it makes us teachable. Without humility, without an awareness of our limits, we simply are not very teachable and are therefore much more likely to meet the business end of something with a "bite" or a "sting." Humility also invites us to respect the "teacher," some other who has what we lack but need. Humility invites us into relationship, because at it's very essence it reminds us that we are not alone and cannot survive alone. Humility is not "bad." It is not shameful. On the contrary, it points us to the way out of our shame by reminding us to give thanks to God, the one who forgives and renews by continuing to teach us his way.

I pray that God will call me to humility and teach me what is right, his way. How about you?

Blessings and Peace,
Gary
Pastor, Sand Hill United Methodist Church
Boaz, West Virginia

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