DO YOU PRACTICE HUMILITY?

"But it is not this way among you". Mark 10:43 

It would be wonderful if just being around humble people automatically made us humble. The disciples proved it did not. Mark describes an incident involving James and John, two brothers. The story makes most parents nod and smile. It took place before John grew into maturity - still a disciple, still young, and still looking out for John: "James and John ... came up to Jesus, saying ... 'Grant that we may sit, one on Your right, and one on Your left, in Your glory". Jesus replied: "You do not know what you are asking" (Mark 10:35 - 38). Then He called the disciples together and said, "Those who are recognised as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you" (Mark 10:42 - 43). 

Our modern world is run by chain of command. In the military, generals command colonels, who command majors, who command captains, all the way down to the lowly private on the end of a mop handle. Jesus barely took a breath after contrasting the two kingdoms, then added, "But it is not so among you". In God's Kingdom there is no privileged rank. The lowly do not pamper the privileged - quite the opposite. Once he got their attention, Jesus spelled it out, "Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant" (Mark 10:43). 

Genuinely, humble people have one thing in common - they do not think of themselves as humble. As a matter of fact, they rarely think of themselves at all! They are too occupied with God's purposes and the well being of others. So, do you practice humility?