Humility or Arrogance

Country singer Mac Davis from Lubbock, Texas, wrote and recorded "It Is Hard to Be Humble." In 1980, this song became an international hit. The song is obviously a parody of someone who sees himself, as the song states, "as perfect in every way!"

The dictionary defines HUMILITY as "the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance or rank."

The word ARROGANCE is defined as "offensive display of superiority of self-importance; overbearing pride."

With these two definitions in mind, in which category would you place yourself? When I was in seminary, one of my preaching professors warned our class that there is a real danger of beginning to think of yourself too highly. His exact words were "don't believe all your press clippings." His reference included the verbal praise that you may receive - some of it may be honest and other parts may be to just win your favor.

In the Bible, Paul and Barnabas were faced with a situation in which they could either lie and display arrogance or be truthful and demonstrate true humility. In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas came across a man who was born crippled in the town of Lystra. Through God's power, they were able to heal the man. The crowds of people believed that gods had come down to their town to provide this healing. They called Barnabas - Zeus. They called Paul - Hermes. Even a priest from the temple of Zeus outside of Lystra came to offer sacrifice and gifts. When Paul and Barnabas realized what was going on, they had to make a choice of honesty or deceitfulness - humility or arrogance. Acts 14:14-15 records their response.

"But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore

their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,

'Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men,

of like nature with you, and we bring you good news,

that you should turn from these vain things to a living

God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and

all that is in them.'"

Paul and Barnabas saw themselves, not as miracle workers, but as instruments of the living God. They did not need titles or credit for what God was doing. They were present to share the good news of the living God. They made a choice - they were not the ones to be worshiped or praised. All praise and worship belongs to God.

Two verses stand out to me about our position today and what can be our position in a future time. Both emphasize that our role is one of humility. In a future day God may exalt you in His way at His time.

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you."

James 4:10

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God

so that at the proper time He may exalt you."

1 Peter 5:6

Mac Davis sang "It is hard to be humble when you are perfect in every way." I guess that might be the case if it were true. However, we, none of us, are perfect in every way. Only Jesus Christ is perfect in every way. In His earthly life, He was tempted in every way as we are but without sin. Therefore, on the cross, He could take on Himself our sin, paying the price for our opportunity to be saved by placing our faith in Him. He did for me and you what none of us could do for ourselves.

As a result, I am humbled before God and recognize that He alone is worthy of all praise and honor and glory. Humility or arrogance is our choice but only one is truthful and honest. This week, may all of us choose to be honest with ourselves, and thereby, honest with others as we project and proclaim our total need for the guidance, help, and grace that comes only from God through Jesus Christ. May Humility overshadow and overcome our Arrogance.