It’s obvious, isn’t it? When I say the word “humility,” you probably think of football, right?
No? Not so much?
Still, who doesn’t love a good touchdown?
Perhaps, it’s a one-handed grab in the corner of the end zone with time running out. Or maybe one of my old-school favorites: those times when the 1985 Chicago Bears handed the ball off to William “The Refrigerator” Perry for a goal line run, and the Fridge barreled through the defensive line scattering players like bowling pins to score a touchdown.
Over the years, the celebrations in the end zone have grown. From hugs, to high-fives, to spiking the ball, to the end zone dance. There’s the iconic Lambeau Leap where the Green Bay Packers jump into the stands to celebrate with the fans. And the numbers of choreographed celebrations have grown as well.
Sadly, I think that we’ve seen many of these celebrations go from being expressions of joy and teamwork, to self-centered over-the-top statements.
Even worse, too often, the celebrations begin before the touchdown is even scored. Players, even those at the highest level, start to celebrate before crossing the goal line, only to drop the ball or have it knocked out of their hands.
Even worse, the celebrations often occur after every play. A routine tackle might result in an in-your-face taunt. Even when the team making the play is down by 20 points.
(That’s probably why I like hockey. There’s no time for celebrations until after a goal is scored. And only briefly then.)
Obviously, these may not be the best examples of humility.
Of course, it’s not limited to just football and sports.
I’ve been reading a book about the making of the Star Trek TV shows and movies. It’s kind of disappointing to learn about some of the infighting and sense of entitlement that existed with some of the stars and creators of the show.
And of course, we cannot ignore the poor examples set by many politicians during an election season. Many of them not only demonstrate a distinct lack of humility, but they make every effort to tear down their opponent, and even their opponent’s followers. This presidential election cycle has been a horrific example of this. On all sides.
It’s very reminiscent of the parable we read this morning for our Gospel lesson. The Pharisee bragged in his prayer about how great, how righteous he was, (I would say self-righteous). But, he took it a step further, describing others, especially the tax collector in the story with extreme disdain.
Still, we must take care not to simply blame sports stars, actors, and politicians alone for not being humble.
Humility is a trait that can easily be lacking in all of us from time to time.
Just look at the desire for fame that has become so prevalent in our society. Add social media to the mix, and we may have a desire to brag about ourselves online, the result of a search for likes on Facebook, or retweets in Twitter.
That reminds me… I forgot to grab a pic before I started to speak. (Take a selfie or two.)
I’ll post this later. Make sure you check it out on Facebook later. I could use the traffic to my page.
Seriously, though, as I researched the subject of humility in the Bible, I came across this verse that seems to provide a casual sidebar to a story about Moses. Numbers 12:3 says “Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone on the face of the earth.”
I don’t doubt the description, but it makes me chuckle. Can’t you just see a world leader using it to describe himself or herself? And after they did, we would likely roll our eyes.
It’s true. We are called to demonstrate humility. The Bible mentions it many times. For example…
Ephesians 4:2a – Be completely humble and gentle;
James 4:10 – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Even Zephaniah 2:3a says Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility;
(How often do we get to read something from the book of Zephaniah?)
And from today’s New Testament reading in Philippians 2:3: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
But, that is often much easier said than done. I struggle with it. I’m sure many others do, too. I want to brag about my accomplishments. I want others to think highly of me, especially when I fall short of the mark.
This is nothing new. Even the Disciples struggled with it. Do you recall their debates about who among them was the greatest? Jesus refused to answer their question with specifics. Instead, he reiterated that it is much more important to serve others than to be served by others.
That reminds us that we have Jesus Christ as our example.
Once again from Philippians 2:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
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!
Long before Jesus was born, prophets had predicted the arrival of a Messiah, a Savior. And while many hoped for the arrival of a powerful, regal leader who would bring political freedom and military might, that is not what happened. Instead, the Son of God brought a greater freedom by becoming a human… a humble human.
Jesus was not born in a palace. Not even at a comfortable inn. As we will celebrate soon enough, he was born to a young woman and a common carpenter in the company of animals in a stable. His bed was not plush, but he was laid in scratchy straw. The first people to greet him were common shepherds.
Jesus’ ministry continued to demonstrate the importance of humility. Jesus did not seek soldiers or an army for his followers. Instead, fishermen left their nets to follow him.
Even that moment where Jesus’ glory was most clearly revealed is telling. When Peter, James, and John traveled up a mountain with Jesus, they witnessed the Transfiguration, where Jesus literally shone brightly. Yet, when the three disciples wanted to make a big deal of it, Jesus told them to wait to tell the story until much later.
And, of course, his death is a study in humility. Crucifixion is the farthest thing from a noble death. It is cruel and inhumane. Jesus endured being whipped, wearing a crown of thorns, and carrying his own cross, all before he was nailed to the cross.
He did it for one reason: to serve as a humble and pure sacrifice for us.
When we put Christ’s example into practice, there are many benefits.
It makes us relatable to more people. More relevant. More believable. Our experiences mirror theirs, and just as Jesus faced the struggles of being human, others will see that we face the same difficulties as them.
It also brings us closer to God.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
It will bring wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 – When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Simply put, a life of humility is an important part of following Christ.
From 1 Peter, chapter 5:
All of you, clothe yourself 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.
As we strive to live a life honoring and following the example of Christ, perhaps our moments in the end zone will become less of a scripted dance of self-centeredness.
Instead, they can become an example of humility.
A quiet prayer of thanks, with head bowed and bended knee.
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