Humility-- just do it.

This morning I was thinking about one word: Humility. When I think of Jesus, this is the first word that comes to mind, besides the obvious- Love. 

To be Humble: not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive.

To be honest, humility is not a quality that is easily achieved in our world today. It is not anyone's fault really, it's just not popular. In our world, success means to make lots of money, gain lots of fame, and to be able to boast about one's many accomplishments. But is this really the point of life? To prove how much we have gained in material possession or status? To be the best, and above everyone else? I'll let that one sit.

When I think of what it means to be a Christian, I don't think of it just as following a certain set of rules. I don't think of it as a straight path that I must walk or I will be struck down by lightning. Being a Christian really is not all the complex. If I had to boil it down to one thing, I would say my mission in life is to study the life and characteristics of Jesus, and to be like him. No, I will never be him, but I want to be just like him. We will probably never make a blind man see with our own two hands, or raise someone from the dead, but we can help heal a broken heart or shine light on a life who has given up on their own. Don't ever underestimate the power of the small miracles people will see through your life because of Jesus. We are here to be used by him. 

Jesus was strong. He was able to do anything. But he was also very loving and humble. His whole purpose in life was to lead people to the kingdom of Heaven. He wasn't interested in self-gain or self righteousness. He simply loved people -- all people, and put them before himself. He loved the arrogant, he loved the crippled, he loved the rich, he loved the sick, he loved the poor, he loved the absolute unloveable. 

It is not easy to get along with every person in our lives, but just remember, Jesus would love them-- just as much as we know he loves us. This is why Humility is so important. Instead of trying so hard to be better than that person who has hurt us, let's try to be humble and love that person. Find out what the problem is. Find out what is making them (and me) so insecure that we are not able to understand one another and help each other. There is nothing more appealing to me than a humble person-- probably because there is nothing more appealing to me than Jesus.

Here is the test: It is so easy to dislike someone who has hurt us, SO easy. It is easy to judge people and shut them out of our lives because we think we are living such a better life-- we are so above them. But how easy is it to swallow our pride and forgive. How easy is it to love them with all of their flaws? How easy is it to realize that Jesus loves them and all their crap just as much as he loves us? Not that easy.  We are strong--like Jesus. Let's try to love and be humble. It won't be easy, but Jesus' way is never easy. 

"He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor". -Proverbs 21:21