|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Written by Ryan Showalter, director of Discipleship Ministries
|
True humility is not trying to be less and less, but being what you are – nothing less, nothing more.
Ever since I was young I have struggled with the seemingly opposing things asked of me. First I was told to “have courage, step out in faith.” I was also told to “be humble, don’t draw attention to yourself.” These two were at war within me.
You see, I struggled in school because I had a learning disability. I wasn’t able to read well. I had no confidence in myself. So in many ways it was easy for me not to be “proud” as my preacher would say. I had nothing to be proud of except my long list of failures – which at times almost became my identity.
Then as I grew and matured, many teachers, friends, and my parents encouraged me and spoke confidence and ability into my life. With their help, I learned to overcome by hard work, discipline, and “putting my hand to the plow.”
The high school basketball coach had us practice and practice. He even asked us to close our eyes and visualize ourselves making baskets. If you didn't believe you would never make it, then there was no point in even trying. So I would practice, both actually shooting and visualizing my technique. With much practice I slowly got better. I never became an “all-American” in high school – I never even broke the starting lineup on the varsity team – but I did become a better player.
Somewhere in life, I had gotten the idea that to put myself down, to always do hard work but say “it was nothing,” was somehow more spiritual. It wasn’t until later that I realized my self-loathing wasn’t glorifying to God, and it wasn’t true humility. Rather it was me simply saying, “I’ll never make this basket.” God taught me, through a variety of experiences and mentoring relationships, that I am something. I am a child of God, created to serve him and give him the honor and the glory.
God calls us to live with this tension in our lives – of being BOLD, but humble. True humility is not living a mediocre,complacent life. True humility is bold acts of service, sharing the gospel in word and deed.
We would all say that Jesus was the most humble man the world has ever seen. Yet he was also the boldest man this world has ever known. He was willing to challenge the religious leaders, the status quo, cultural biases, political structures, and was so bold that he even died for his faith.
Are there areas of your life where you’re saying, “You know, I’ll just never make this basket”? God doesn’t want us to make excuses. We are called to live like him. Do you have the heart to step out in “bold humility” and change our world?
 |
|
|
Positions Available
Join StaffX at the Harrisburg Discipleship Center to grow spiritually and in leadership skills as you mentor and serve others. Current volunteer staff openings: Community Outreach Coordinator, Mission Mobilizer, Office Assistant, and Prayer Coordinator.
Contact Sherrie Ober if you are interested.
|
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form