A Lesson in Humility
Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2008
by Jay Hopson
Most of my Christian life I have struggled with pride. From the moment I was saved, I always wanted to do great things for God. I would travel to the next revival and watch for a move of God at every turn. Always wanting to be the best and do the most, I think my troubles began because I was unwilling to do the least. Now, I am finally able to take a look at how I aspire to greatness. Am I willing to truly serve Him in gentleness and lowliness of mind?
The world we live in today is so contrary to Gods word in its approach that if we don't stay in the Word nearly daily we endanger our walk. (Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1 Cor. 1:20) This is illustrated to me every day at my job. Although I love my job and am very grateful for it, there is one aspect of it that nearly every night tests me in humility.
I work at a truck stop supplying trucks with in-cab heat and air conditioning. My shift runs from 12:00 AM to 8 AM, which makes it nice for me because I have a lot of time to myself and even some time to write. One of the chores I must do, though, is deal with the trash that tuckers leave on the lot. We have several large trash barrels, but these are not always made use of.
One of the things I've learned about truckers that I hadn't known, is that during their long hauls they seldom take the time for restroom stops, preferring instead to urinate in a bottle or jug of some kind. I'm sure you can see where this is going. Obviously this results in some very smelly and unhealthy trash. Occasionally, the employee who runs the shift before mine allows the trash to pile up, and if I have been off for a few days, I find the putrid odor almost overwhelming and the task daunting.
My first inclination to a bad night of trash dumping is to quit the job on the spot, This option, however, has not served me well in the past and probably is one of the reasons for the sorry state of my finances. Invariably, my next thought includes complaining to my superior or the employees who didn't take out the trash before me. But, once again, I am assured that pride is involved in that option. (Do all things without complaining and disputing Phil. 2:14.)
I know there is a fine line between allowing myself to be a doormat and disputing, but I also know there is a way to make known my displeasure without complaining or grumbling. I came to the conclusion tonight to talk to the employee who had the shift before mine and just request that he do a little more trash work. Approaching him in a gentle and non-judgmental way should result in a better outcome anyway.
My next inclination after I recalled these verses to mind and realized I had no excuse not to continue the work, was a wave of intense self pity. How carnal and worldly can I get? That has always been the second snare in my path to rebellion.. If pride won't get me, maybe self pity will. No, not this time, I have the ability to choose. I choose not to feel sorry for myself, and to remember the lowly service of Jesus, who made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Surely this small service of mine, which takes less than an hour each night, is far less humiliating and devastating than death on the cross. Perhaps it's the death of self, the death I need to suffer in order to do the least. And, if I am finally willing to do the least, maybe the best will follow.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Great article Jay...as usual. (loved the cartoon)Thank you Roschelle,
I felt such a serious subject needed a little light heartedness. I just found joyfultoons. com and the creator it very generous and wanting to spread the Word through his cartoons.
hi jay,this was a well written article, i like the cartoon, and i understand the essence of what you are saying. when you are a mom of 3, there are many things that happen that you've never experienced before, but to be a mom is one's job at the moment, and we do what we have to do. of course, my cat has humbled me most of all with her "presents" such as a stiff head of a chipmunk left proudly on my bed, or a baby rabbit dropped at my feet, unfortunately not moving. there is a time for everything. thanks for sharing,best regards,sueThank you, sue
for the comment and the great illustrations. I guess there are always challenges in life!
Great article, Jay - on a subject Christians don't talk about often enough! That verse "do everything without complaining and grumbling" nails me everytime!! Funny, I keep trying to find the place where the Bible talks about my "rights" and I can't find it.
Jay,Reading your article was refreshing. It was humbling to read about another man's struggle with pride. I to suffer from the misconception of pride. This society breeds it in men. We are not allowed to show restrait and reserve.Our masculinity is defined by our abiliity to exhort ourselves beyond the boundaries of our control, and only thing we really control is ourself.Pride is the misunderstanding of our ability to want to control everything arounds us. However, if we just submit to God's will. Yes I used the word submit that is not often associated with men relative to God. All we need to do is trust him.I applaud you. Continue to be sensitive to the move of God in your life, and things of Jesus. His conduct code is the only one that has merit and will warrant the results you desire.Take care and may God continue to bless you and yours.L. JonesJones & Associates
Excellent testimony...you will no doubt experience promotion in due time. The Lord really does look for hearts like this that he can bless.
Jay, you came to mind and I came looking for you. Praying all is well with you. You and your messages are missed. This is an exceptional lesson in humility. When we work as unto the Lord as we should, we kill off a bit of self each day. Your love and service to Him and living righteously are touching. This was beautiful, Jay.
Hope to read more from you very soon. Many blessings to you.
AvisAvis.. Thank you so much for remembering me.. I have not written anything in a half year or more.. but hope to start again soon.. your encouragment means a great deal to me.... Again.. thank you!Jay, good to hear from you to know you're fine. Look forward to reading your articles again. They bless so many. Come back soon!
Warm regards,
Avis
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