We make much of self-esteem, don’t we? We value self-confidence, teach our children to express themselves, and hold our opinions in very high regard. Americans are individualists, quick to defend personal rights. “I matter!” – is a core belief of our culture. I believe that God loves me, both as a member of His Body, the Church; and as an individual to whom He has given a unique place in this world.
A healthy sense of self worth, however, can morph into ugly pride and arrogance quite quickly! It can make us hard to deal with, unforgiving, and worst – unwilling to submit ourselves to the Lord. Imagine Jesus Christ as a modern American. As He approaches the end of His earthly ministry and faces the Cross, He says, “I’m not doing that. It makes me look like a criminal. I deserve better than this.” Nonsense, right? The Gospels reveal Him in his humanity struggling with the will of God, as we do. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prays intensely, wrestling with God’s plan and purpose, the cost that it would bring to Him. Even on the Cross, He cries out, “WHY?” But, in each situation, we see Him choose humility!
One of the earliest hymns of the church worships Him, not for His individualism or expression of self-will, but for His submission. Paul records that hymn for us in his letter to the Philippian church:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name." (Philippians 2:6-9, NIV)
Yesterday, I ran up against a situation in my extended family that I do not like, do not want, and do not understand. I would like to demand that the Lord remember ME, that WE don’t deserve this, that He make it change NOW! I am still angry about this thing, without even the most basic idea about how it could possibly be ‘good’ in any sense of the word. Ever been in that state of mind? I am choosing humility as the Word teaches: "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:5-6, NIV)
Humility does not rob us of dignity or worth. It does not mean that we throw away our self-esteem. It is a choice to elevate the Lord, to remind ourselves that He is worthy of our worship, and that it is good to bow our head in His Presence. Job raged against the Lord when his pain became too much, when he could no longer make sense of life. He pressed God to show up and explain Himself. How very 21st century of Job! But note how that worked out. "God then confronted Job directly: “Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?” Job answered: “I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me. I should never have opened my mouth! I’ve talked too much, way too much. I’m ready to shut up and listen.” (Job 40:1-5, The Message)
With God’s help, I will choose the Jesus road! I will adopt Job’s response and ‘shut up and listen.’ I do not want self-esteem to hinder God’s ability to pour His grace into my life.
How about you, disciple? Will you choose humility? It’s truly an ennobling response of faith.
Here’s a word from the Word for those who are humble before Him. May the promise protect our hearts this day.
"Arise, O Lord! O God, lift up Your hand!
Do not forget the humble.
Why do the wicked renounce God?
He has said in his heart, “You will not require an account.”
But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief,
To repay it by Your hand.
The helpless commits himself to You;
You are the helper of the fatherless." (Psalm 10:12-14, NKJV)
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