The power of humility

WEAK BUT STRONG

First of three parts

Since prehistoric times, humans have been in competition with one another, fighting for access to water, food, space and mates. In this struggle, strength, speed, stamina and skills mattered. When this competition became civilized into sports, we still want to go faster, farther, higher and stronger.

This ideal is also pursued in politics, economy, science and technology. America has always portrayed itself as the best in everything. After severe recessions, President Trump vows to make America great again. His walk, talk and gesturing is gleaming with confidence and pride.

This self-glorification contrasts sharply with the biblical virtues of humility, dependence on God, trust and realistic self-appraisal.

The wisest man that ever lived advised, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil” (Prov. 3:5-7).

He also affirmed, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; he gives his beloved sleep” (Ps. 127:1-2).

With pomp, parades, photoops, selfies and tweets leaders try to boost their images, but just one nasty mistake (like sexual misconduct) can destroy all big-I efforts.

The apostle Paul planted churches east and west of the Aegean See. He was followed by false apostles who tried to persuade those churches to keep Jewish Law. Paul saw it as an effort to replace the gospel of grace with the legalism of good works.

When he compared himself with these imposters, Paul did not boast about his achievements, but he emphasized how much he had suffered for the gospel (2 Cor. 4, 6, 11 and 12). After a heavenly vision, God gave him a thorn in the flesh (a physical weakness) to keep him humble. God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).

Paul responded, “Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” When we feel physically or emotionally weak, then we trust in God and become spiritually strong.

When Paul saw his strength wavering in old age, he concluded, “We do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16).

We can still bear fruit in old age (Ps. 92:12-14).

Jacob Van Zyl of Lethbridge is a retired counsellor and the author of several faith-based books.