Humility is the Key

Written by Jen T.

A funny story at the expense of my sister (sorry Angie): Angie is a high school teacher and helps with Prom every year. Their school announces each person as they arrive and they walk in, sort of like they do at some wedding receptions. So, Angie was having the girls practice how they should make their entrance and how it should be dramatic and confident. She decided to show them how it should be done and with her head raised high and a sassiness in her step, she made her dramatic entrance only to get tripped up part of the way through and sprawl across the floor. I’m laughing as I type this and wishing someone would have caught it on video!

The Bible states in Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” When we are prideful and have an elevated view of ourselves it always leads to destruction. As I thought about some things that have bothered me lately in my dealings with others, I came across a scripture about humility and it got me thinking about how humbleness really is the key to most relationship problems. Whether it be with a boss, a spouse, a friend, a co-worker, or anyone else we may come into contact with. Philippians 2:3 states, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” When we love others as we should and think of them as more important than ourselves, it solves a lot of issues. When you can’t understand how someone could treat you that way and think that you could never do that to someone – think again. There’s probably someone who has thought the same thing about the way you’ve treated them at some point. When you see someone causing strife and wonder how they cannot see how they are being used by the devil in a certain situation and you think you’re wise enough that that could never be you – think again. The devil is a sneaky snake and can use us without us even realizing it. When you see someone caught up in a certain sin that they can’t seem to break free from and wonder how they can’t just trust God and rid themselves of it – think hard. I’m sure you have your own sins that plague your life. And don’t compare your sins to theirs, thinking yours are lesser. All sin is detestable to God and separates us from Him.

So, the next time you’re having a problem with someone, remember Romans 3:10, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” I am working on this and working on realizing when I am having an elevated attitude. Love others and put them first – it may not solve all the world’s problems but it sure does help in many relationship issues.