Just as humiliation can hurt the pride of a nation resulting in retaliation or a reaction of defiance, it can have the same effect on an individual. The operative word is pride. The ancient writings or the Christian Bible identifies its origin as well as its consequences. Isaiah records the five “I wills” exercised by Lucifer, more commonly known as the devil, as he rebelled against God. This exercise of his will against God’s will, give us a revelation of pride. Isaiah 14:12-14 KJV.
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Webster College Dictionary defines pride as: · spirit of conceit or superior worth (a negative quality) · a spirit of pleasing satisfaction or proper self-worth (a positive quality) In Greek, the word huperephanos means "arrogant, proud or appearing above others." (huper means above, phaino means to appear) . The Apostle Paul presents it as a negative quality in a letter to Timothy. "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy." (2 Timothy 3:2). The antithesis of pride is humility. Leland Beaumont describes humility as: “A quiet and sincere confidence that comes from a realistic appraisal of your stature that recognizes you are doing well, while recognizing your shortcomings. It is an incentive to continue to learn, improve, and do more. Self esteem is aligned with authentic stature and is judged to be satisfactory and with room for improvement within a humble person. Humility reduces our need for self-justification and allows us to admit to and learn from our mistakes.” Peter comments on God’s view on Pride and Humility. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1Peter 5:6 (NIV). Jesus is the epitome of humility. His “kenosis” or self- emptying is captured in Philippians 2:5-11. There is an important distinction I need to point out between humility and humiliation. There is no pride in humility. However pride is the catalysis for retaliation in humiliation. I like Beaumont’s description of humiliation: “An image change reflecting a decrease in what others believe about your stature. A public humiliation is the result of an insult and is generally painful enough to provoke anger. If you believe the insult is justified, then the humiliation may result in shame rather than anger. Synonyms include losing face, feeling foolish, hurt, and disgraced.” David prior to becoming the King of Israel, during his wilderness survival, was humiliated by Nabal (his name means “fool”). His pride was hurt to the point he became full of himself and had it not been for the intervention of Nabal’s wife, a wise and beautiful woman named Abigail, the outcome would have been disastrous. Her intervention changed the course of David’s life, the life of Israel and to some degree your life and mine.( You can find the complete story in 1 Samuel 25. I suggest you read it.) I read it recently and reaped the therapeutic benefit of being released from guilt that resulted from my prideful reaction to humiliation from a modern day “Nabal”. Like David I had shown kindness and gracefulness, only to be repaid with a “slap in the face”. My “Nabal” humiliated me by misrepresenting me with his reports about me to his master. Had it not been for intervention by my “Abigail”, a wise and beautiful woman, my ministrycareer would have ended in a disaster. I have an indelible image in my mind; it’s ugly. Thankfully, because of Divine intervention I can now plead; “Not guilty” your Honor, Jesus has removed my guilt. I know I am forgiven and have forgiven my offender. Otherwise this story would have more “punch” and color. In concluding let me give a summary of the negative effects of pride. It promotes self-righteousness, looks down on others, does not admit wrong, points out the faults of others performs religious deeds before others. Not only does it affect our Spiritual Health and Emotional Wellness it is also detrimental to our physical heath, contributing to high blood pressure, stomach and back problems due to stress. Humility on the other hand contributes positively to our Spiritual Health and Emotional Wellness. According to Leland Beaumont, “ Humility reinforces self-esteem, self-respect and self-worth. Humility does not seek justification. Humility does not disparage, minimize or marginalize. Humility does not condescend. Humility is free of contempt. Humility is patient and kind. Humility champions and supports the individual. Humility readies the individual for service. Humility empowers with wisdom. Humility gently reveals power through change.” I am so grateful for the Biblical full disclosure of David’s humanity and God’s grace. It gives me hope because the story is not about David or me, the story is about God and our place in it. |
Until next time.
Blessings!
Pastor Harold
