".. .Unfortunately sometimes, other people feel superior to others and treat specific classes of others as being little more than human. Especially, I have noticed that this happens to some individuals as soon as they can append Ph.D or M.D after their names. In their mind, it is as if the degree or title elevates them above others. Yet, no matter how famous they become or how much they achieve, we do well to remember that they are still the same peole they were before they had the degree after their name." Ben Carson in "Think Big" p. 194
There's just a very thin line between humility and arrogance. We are all born humble but develop the traits of arrogance by what happen to us in life, some of which are: the kinds of trainings we receive from our parents, the leadership examples imbibed from our parents, the kinds of group we keep, the positions we hold in our offices, the grades we make in our academic exploits, how successful we are in our marriage and/or business endeavours, how knowledgeable we are and so on. All these are matters that influence who we are and how we behave - not that we were born with them.
For instance have you seen a day old baby arguing or puffing up before his or her parents? No. It cannot be. Indeed most children don’t really show signs of arrogance until their teenage years when they suddenly discover that they are as tall if not taller than their parents or when they, through peer pressure, the begin to exhibit strange behaviours that are alien to their home background.
Many challenges bordering upon arrogance are easier to combat, except ‘riches'. The Bible says: “A rich man answers harshly” while poor man is humbled by his poverty. What gave the rich guy that 'impatient' attitude? It his realisation that he has financial capacity more than others to meet certain demands, if not he would be as humble as the rest. Let’s all admit, unless Christ indwells in us, it is impossible to be rich and yet be humble. Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit will constantly remind us that even though we are rich, we are not an inch better than other people who are not and will constantly tell us ‘come low, come low’, or ‘humble yourself’.
Therefore, when God begins to bless you, always remember, it is a grace. Also remember that members of your family or your friends who are yet to hit their goldmines have their own 'appointed' time to do so.
So in your behaviour, you should always ‘come low’ to the level of everybody (educated or illiterate, rich or poor, high or low). Respect elders and let those junior to you be motivated so that both categories of people can see the glory of God in your life. Let your poor friends realise that you're still a human being like them who have affectionate feelings.
The thin line between humility and arrogance is that voice (Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit) that reminds us to ‘come low’. Obey that voice today and always! And it shall be well with you continuously. Remember anyone staying away from Jesus finds it difficult to be humble.
Good morning.
Please do not forget to use the reading guide on the right hand side column of this page.
Thank you for reading patronising this blogsite. If it blesses you, recommend it to others.
